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Current Affairs 2023

Sambar Deer - UPSC Current Affairs

Sambar, a large deer species native to Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia, is listed as vulnerable due to hunting, insurgency, and habitat exploitation. It is known for its large antlers, shaggy coat and small mane, and is found in a variety of habitats near water sources. It is an important prey species for carnivores and conservation efforts are underway to protect it.

Jan 22, 2023

2 min read

The sambar (Rusa unicolor) is a large deer species that is native to the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia. It is listed as a vulnerable species on the IUCN Red List since 2008 due to severe hunting, local insurgency, and industrial exploitation of habitat. The sambar is known for its large and rugged antlers, shaggy coat, and a small but dense mane. The appearance and size of the sambar vary widely across its range, which has led to considerable taxonomic confusion in the past.

The sambar is distributed in much of South Asia as far north as the south-facing slopes of the Himalayas in Nepal, Bhutan, and India, and in mainland Southeast Asia including Burma, Thailand, Indochina, the Malay Peninsula, Indonesia (Sumatra and Borneo), Taiwan, and South China. It inhabits a variety of habitats including tropical dry forests, tropical seasonal forests, subtropical mixed forests, montane grasslands, and tropical rainforests. The sambar prefers the dense cover of deciduous shrubs and grasses, and is often found near water sources.

Sambar are nocturnal or crepuscular animals, and the males live alone for much of the year, while the females live in small herds of up to 16 individuals. They often congregate near water and are good swimmers. They are generally quiet animals, but can make short, high-pitched sounds when alarmed. They communicate by scent marking and foot stamping, which is an unusual pattern for deer. The sambar is an important prey species for large carnivores such as the tiger, dhole, and crocodiles.

In conclusion, the sambar is a large deer species that is native to the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia. Its populations have declined substantially due to severe hunting, local insurgency, and industrial exploitation of habitat. It is known for its large and rugged antlers, shaggy coat, and a small but dense mane. The sambar is found in a wide range of habitats, from tropical dry forests to montane grasslands, and is often found near water sources. It is an important prey species for large carnivores such as the tiger, dhole, and crocodiles. Despite facing significant threats to its survival, conservation efforts are underway to protect the sambar and its habitat. It is crucial that we take action to protect this species and the ecosystems it inhabits, so that future generations may continue to admire this magnificent deer.