Daily Current Affairs : 9-January-2024

In a groundbreaking discovery, the elusive hog deer has been sighted for the first time in the Rajaji Tiger Reserve, bringing attention to the reserve’s unique ecological dynamics. This essay explores the overview and distribution of hog deer and delves into the key features of the Rajaji Tiger Reserve.

Hog Deer in Rajaji Tiger Reserve: What You Should Know
Courtesy: Wikipedia
Hog Deer: Overview and Distribution

Behavior and Social Structure

  • Typically solitary but occasionally seen in small groups during plentiful food conditions.
  • Primarily sedentary with minimal migration patterns.
  • Males display territorial behavior, marking their area with glandular secretions.
  • Sexual dimorphism evident, with females being slightly smaller and lacking antlers.

Geographic Range

  • Native to India, including the Himalayan foothill zone and Southeast Asia.
  • Introduced to Sri Lanka, Australia, and the United States (Texas, Florida, Hawaii).

Habitat Preferences

  • Found in dense forests but observed in clearings, grasslands, and wet grasslands.
  • Habitat choice influenced by seasonal variations and food distribution.

Conservation Status

  • IUCN: Endangered
  • Wildlife Protection Act 1972: Scheduled I
Rajaji Tiger Reserve: Key Features

Geographical Spread

  • Encompasses three districts in Uttarakhand: Haridwar, Dehradun, and Pauri Garhwal.
  • Situated along the Shiwalik ranges’ hills and foothills.

Historical Background

  • Formed in 1983 by merging Rajaji Wildlife Sanctuary with Motichur and Chilla wildlife sanctuaries.
  • Named after the renowned freedom fighter Rajgopalachari, also known as “Rajaji.”

Ecological Significance

  • Located in a transition zone between temperate western Himalaya and central Himalaya, fostering species diversity.
  • Diverse forest types, ranging from semi-evergreen to deciduous, classified as Indus-Ganges Monsoon Forest.

Flora

  • Rich vegetation includes Rohini, Palash, Shisham, Sal, Sandan, Khair, Arjun, Baans, Semul, Chamaror, and more.

Fauna

  • Home to diverse wildlife, including Tigers, Asian Elephants, Leopards, Jungle Cats, Himalayan Black Bears, and now, the hog deer.
Important Points:

Hog Deer: Overview and Distribution

  • Recently spotted in Rajaji Tiger Reserve for the first time.
  • Typically solitary but seen in small groups during abundant food conditions.
  • Primarily sedentary with minimal migration patterns.
  • Males exhibit territorial behavior and mark their area with glandular secretions.
  • Sexual dimorphism observed, with females being slightly smaller and lacking antlers.
  • Native to India and Southeast Asia, introduced to Sri Lanka, Australia, and the United States.
  • Found in dense forests but also observed in clearings, grasslands, and wet grasslands.
  • Conservation status: IUCN – Endangered, Wildlife Protection Act 1972 – Scheduled I.

Rajaji Tiger Reserve: Key Features

  • Encompasses three districts in Uttarakhand: Haridwar, Dehradun, and Pauri Garhwal.
  • Situated along the Shiwalik ranges’ hills and foothills.
  • Formed in 1983 by merging Rajaji Wildlife Sanctuary with Motichur and Chilla wildlife sanctuaries.
  • Named after the freedom fighter Rajgopalachari, also known as “Rajaji.”
  • Ecologically significant transition zone between temperate western Himalaya and central Himalaya.
  • Diverse forest types, ranging from semi-evergreen to deciduous (Indus-Ganges Monsoon Forest).
  • Rich vegetation including Rohini, Palash, Shisham, Sal, Sandan, Khair, Arjun, Baans, Semul, Chamaror, and more.
  • Home to diverse wildlife, including Tigers, Asian Elephants, Leopards, Jungle Cats, Himalayan Black Bears, and now, the hog deer.
Why In News

In a significant discovery, the hog deer has been spotted for the first time at the Rajaji Tiger Reserve, marking a noteworthy expansion of the reserve’s biodiversity.

MCQs about Hog Deer

  1. What is the primary social behavior of the hog deer ?
    A. Group living during all conditions
    B. Solitary, but occasionally in small groups during abundant food conditions
    C. Migratory patterns throughout the year
    D. Territorial behavior with constant group interactions
    Correct Answer: B. Solitary, but occasionally in small groups during abundant food conditions
    Explanation: The hog deer are typically solitary but may be seen in small groups during times of abundant food.
  2. Where is the Rajaji Tiger Reserve located?
    A. Madhya Pradesh
    B. Rajasthan
    C. Uttarakhand
    D. Himachal Pradesh
    Correct Answer: C. Uttarakhand
    Explanation: The Rajaji Tiger Reserve encompasses three districts in Uttarakhand: Haridwar, Dehradun, and Pauri Garhwal.
  3. Why are females of the hog deer slightly smaller and lack antlers?
    A. Genetic mutation
    B. Adaptation to their habitat
    C. Result of seasonal variations
    D. Natural selection
    Correct Answer: D. Natural selection
    Explanation: The sexual dimorphism is evident, with females being slightly smaller and lacking antlers, a characteristic often driven by natural selection.
  4. What is the conservation status of the hog deer according to the IUCN?
    A. Least Concern
    B. Near Threatened
    C. Endangered
    D. Critically Endangered
    Correct Answer: C. Endangered
    Explanation: The hog deer is classified as Endangered by the IUCN.

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