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Indian Desert Fox

  • April 25, 2022
  • Posted by: OptimizeIAS Team
  • Category: DPN Topics
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Indian Desert Fox

Subject: Environment

Context- Prosopis juliflora, a salt-tolerant and fruit-bearing tree, has flourished in the Banni grasslands of Gujarat.

The encroachment by this woody invasive plant is, however, resulting in a loss of habitat and resources for the desert fox.

Concept-

The Desert Fox:

  • The desert fox is a specialist in open dry grasslands and deserts.
  • The Indian desert fox (Vulpes vulpespusilla) is one among three subspecies of red fox found in India.
    • The other two subspecies are the Kashmir fox and the Tibetan red fox.
  • Its habitat includes dunes, saline scrub grasslands and semi-arid scrub savannah.
  • It shelters in burrows dug in the ground near the vegetation cover of reeds and bushes.
  • Gerbils, other rodents and spiny-tailed lizards are its main prey.
  • This subspecies has been given the highest legal protection in India (Schedule I) under the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
    • But despite its legal status, it is poached for its fur and meat.
    • Rapid urbanisation, industrialisation and the introduction of invasive plant species, like the Prosopis juliflora in their habitats have also had an impact on the desert fox numbers.

Prosopis juliflora:

  • Prosopis juliflora is a shrub or small tree in the family Fabaceae, a kind of mesquite.
  • It is native to Mexico,South America and the Caribbean.
  • It has become established as an invasive weed in Africa, Asia, Australia and elsewhere.
  • It is a contributing factor to continuing transmission of malaria, especially during dry periods when sugar sources from native plants are largely unavailable to mosquitoes.
  • Prosopis juliflora is a resilient species and can withstand extremely harsh weather and soil conditions.
  • Its extensive root system enables it to tap groundwater easily, so it remains green even in peak summer.

Banni Grasslands:

  • Banni is the largest grassland of Asia situated near the Great Rann of Kutch in Gujarat.
  • It is spread over 2,618 kilometres and accounts for almost 45% of the pastures in Gujarat.
  • Two ecosystems, wetlands and grasslands, are mixed side by side in Banni.
  • Vegetation in Banni is sparse and highly dependent on rainfall.
  • Banni grasslands, traditionally, were managed following a system of rotational grazing.
  • Banni is dominated by low-growing plants, forbs and graminoids, many of which are halophiles (salt tolerant), as well as scattered tree cover and scrub.
  • The area is rich in flora and fauna, with 192 species of plants, 262 species of birds, several species of mammals, reptiles and amphibians.
  • Wildlife Institute of India (WII) has identified this grassland reserve as one of the last remaining habitats of the cheetah in India and a possible reintroduction site for the species.
  • Maldharis are a tribal herdsmen community inhabiting Banni.
Environment Indian Desert Fox
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