A sandy and saline area is the natural habitat of an Indian animal species. The animal has no predators in that area, but its existence is threatened due to the destruction of its habitat. Which one of the following could be that animal?

1. Indian wild buffalo
2. Indian wild ass
3. Indian wild boar
4. Indian gazelle

Explanation

Option (b) is correct

• Indian wild ass (or Khur) is a subspecies of the onager (Asiatic wild ass) native to South Asia.
• Distribution: Today, it is only found in the Indian Wild Ass Sanctuary (Little Rann of Kutch) and its surrounding areas in Gujarat.
• Habitat: Semi-desert and grassland areas.
• Threats: Habitat loss (due to agriculture, development, and salt extraction), the invasive Prosopis juliflora shrub, and encroachment and grazing by the Maldhari tribe.
• IUCN:VU

Option (a) is incorrect

• The Indian Wild Buffalo is the state animal of Chhattisgarh and is a large species of bovine native to the Indian Sub-continent and South East Asia.
• Habitat: The wild buffalo is mainly found in the alluvial grasslands, marshes, swamps and river valleys. They are generally found in areas that have plenty of water holes and resources.
• Threats: Interbreeding with domestic buffalo, Poaching for horns, Habitat loss due to agriculture and hydel projects.
• IUCN: Endangered

Option (c) is incorrect

• The Indian boar (Sus scrofa cristatus), also known as the Moupin pig, is a subspecies of wild boar native to India, Nepal, Myanmar, western Thailand, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka.

Option (d) is incorrect

• Chinkara is native to Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan and India. It is the smallest Asiatic antelope.
• There are six subspecies of Indian gazelle. Of these, Deccan chinkara, Gujarat chinkara and Salt Ranga Chinkara ( Delhi, Punjab, and Haryana) are found in India.
• Distribution: The Deccan chinkara ranges from the Ganges Valley (west of WB) to the Deccan Plateau. The Gujarat chinkara is found in the Thar Desert, Rann of Kutch, Kathiawar, and Saurashtra region. Salt Ranga Chinkara inhabits Delhi, Punjab, and Haryana.
• Habitat: Arid deserts, dry scrub, and light forests. It is a shy species that avoids human habitation.
• IUCN: LC

Answer: (b) Indian Wild ass | Difficulty Level: Hard