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?
- AIndian wild buffalo
- BIndian wild assCorrect
- CIndian wild boar
- DIndian gazelle
Explanation
The Indian Wild Ass, also known as the Khur, is the correct answer because its natural habitat is the Little Rann of Kutch in Gujarat. This region is a unique landscape characterized by sandy and saline mudflats.
In this specific ecosystem, the Indian Wild Ass has no natural predators. However, its population faces threats primarily due to habitat destruction and fragmentation caused by human activities like salt panning, agriculture, and infrastructure development.
The other options do not fit the description. The Indian Wild Buffalo lives in wet grasslands and swamps of Northeast India. The Indian Wild Boar is found across various terrains and has several natural predators like tigers and leopards. The Indian Gazelle or Chinkara prefers arid plains and hills but is also preyed upon by carnivores. Therefore, the combination of a sandy saline habitat and a lack of natural predators specifically points to the Indian Wild Ass.
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