A sandy and saline area is the natural habitat of an Indian animal spe...
In the last century, the Indian wild ass lived all over the dry regions of northwestern India and western Pakistan including Jaisalmer, Bikaner, Sind and Baluchistan. Today, it survives only in the Little Rann, and a few stray towards the Great Rann of Kutch with some reaching bordering villages in the Jalore district of the Indian State of Rajasthan. First census of the wild ass was done in 1940, when there were an estimated 3,500 wild asses. But, by the year 1960, this figure fell to just 362, it was then classified as a highly endangered species. In the years 1973 & 1976, Rann of Kutch and adjoining districts were taken up as the area for conservation for this sub-species also known as Khur. From 1976, the forest department began conducting the Wild Ass census. Water holes were increased in the area, the forest department has also started a project for having fodder plots though the forest department is yet to get desired success. In 1998, Wild Ass population was estimated at 2,940, by the year 2004 it has increased to an estimated 3,863. A recent census conducted by forest department in 2009 has revealed that the population of wild ass in the state was now estimated to about 4,038, an increase of 4.53% as compared to 2004.
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A sandy and saline area is the natural habitat of an Indian animal spe...
Habitat:
The given information states that the natural habitat of the Indian animal species is a sandy and saline area. This means that the animal is adapted to live in an environment that is characterized by sand and salt content.
Predators:
The information also mentions that the animal has no predators in that area. This implies that there are no other species in the habitat that pose a threat to the existence of this particular animal.
Habitat Destruction:
However, despite the absence of predators, the existence of this animal species is threatened due to the destruction of its habitat. This means that human activities or other natural factors have resulted in the degradation or loss of the sandy and saline area where the animal lives.
Identification:
Based on these characteristics, we can identify the animal species that fits the given description. Let's analyze each option to determine which one is most likely to be the correct answer:
a) Indian wild buffalo: While the Indian wild buffalo is adapted to live in grasslands and wetlands, it does not specifically inhabit sandy and saline areas. Therefore, this option is unlikely to be the correct answer.
b) Indian wild ass:
The Indian wild ass, also known as the khur, is primarily found in the arid and semi-arid regions of India, including sandy and saline deserts. It is well adapted to survive in such harsh environments and is known for its ability to withstand high temperatures and scarcity of water. Therefore, this option is the most likely correct answer.
c) Indian wild boar: The Indian wild boar is a versatile species that can inhabit a variety of habitats, including forests, grasslands, and wetlands. However, it is not specifically associated with sandy and saline areas. Hence, this option is less likely to be the correct answer.
d) Indian gazelle: The Indian gazelle, also known as the chinkara, is predominantly found in arid and semi-arid regions, including grasslands and deserts. However, it does not have a specific preference for sandy and saline areas. Therefore, this option is also less likely to be the correct answer.
Conclusion:
Based on the given information, the most suitable option as the animal species that fits the description of living in a sandy and saline area without predators but threatened by habitat destruction is the Indian wild ass or khur (option B).