With reference to Swamp deer, consider the following statements: It is...
Recently, the Manas National Park & Tiger Reserve announced that the population of swamp deer at the park has witnessed a rise.
- The swamp deer (Rucervus duvaucelii) also called as barasingha is a deer species distributed in the Indian subcontinent.
- It belongs to the family Cervidae (order Artiodactyla), found in open forests and grasslands of India and Nepal.
- It eats predominantly wetland plants and herbaceous plants which are common in this deer’s natural habitat.
- Its population is now restricted to isolated and scattered locations in Nepal, Assam and the northern areas of India.
- It is now extinct in both Bangladesh, and in Pakistan
- There are three subspecies of swamp deer found in the Indian Subcontinent.
- The western swamp deer (Rucervus duvaucelii) found in Nepal,
- Southern swamp deer (Rucervus duvaucelii branderi) found in central and north India.
- Eastern swamp deer (Rucervus duvaucelii ranjitsinhi) found in the Kaziranga and Dudhwa National Parks.
- Conservation status
- IUCN Red List: Vulnerable
- CITES: Appendix I
- The Wildlife Protection Act, 1972: Schedule I
Hence both statements are correct.
With reference to Swamp deer, consider the following statements: It is...
< b="" />Statement 1: It is found in open forests and grasslands of India and Nepal.< />
The first statement is correct. The Swamp deer, also known as the Barasingha, is indeed found in the open forests and grasslands of India and Nepal. In India, it is primarily found in the wetlands and grasslands of the states of Assam, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan. In Nepal, it is found in the Terai region.
< b="" />Statement 2: It is listed under the Appendix I of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) list.< />
The second statement is also correct. The Swamp deer (Barasingha) is listed under Appendix I of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) list. Appendix I includes species that are threatened with extinction and are or may be affected by international trade. It provides the highest level of protection and prohibits commercial trade in these species.
< b="" />Explanation:< />
The Swamp deer, scientifically known as Rucervus duvaucelii, is a large deer species that inhabits marshy areas, wetlands, and grasslands. It is known for its impressive antlers, with mature males having up to 12 points on their antlers.
The species is primarily found in India and Nepal. In India, it is most commonly found in the Kanha National Park and the Satpura Tiger Reserve in Madhya Pradesh, as well as in the Dudhwa National Park in Uttar Pradesh. In Nepal, it is found in protected areas like the Bardia National Park and the Shuklaphanta Wildlife Reserve.
Due to habitat loss, poaching, and other factors, the Swamp deer population has declined significantly over the years. As a result, it is now listed as an endangered species. The international trade of Swamp deer or its body parts is strictly regulated under the CITES agreement. Appendix I listing ensures that the species is protected from unsustainable trade and exploitation.
In conclusion, both statements are correct. The Swamp deer is found in the open forests and grasslands of India and Nepal, and it is listed under Appendix I of the CITES list to ensure its conservation and protection.
To make sure you are not studying endlessly, EduRev has designed UPSC study material, with Structured Courses, Videos, & Test Series. Plus get personalized analysis, doubt solving and improvement plans to achieve a great score in UPSC.