In News:

The Palamau Tiger Reserve (PTR), the last stronghold of the Gaur (Bos gaurus) in Jharkhand, has reported an alarming decline in population. Once spread across Saranda, Dalma, Hazaribagh, Gumla, and other forests of the state, Gaurs are now restricted to small and isolated groups in PTR’s northern range.

About Gaur

• Common name: Indian Bison
• Family: Bovidae; largest species of wild cattle.
• Distribution: Native to South and Southeast Asia.
• Preferred habitat:
  • Evergreen, semi-evergreen, and moist deciduous forests with grasslands.
  • Hilly terrains below 1,500–1,800 m with large, undisturbed forests and reliable water sources.

Conservation Status

• IUCN Red List: Vulnerable
• CITES: Appendix I
• Wildlife Protection Act, 1972: Schedule I

Population Trends in PTR

• 1970s population: ~150
• Recent study: Only 68 individuals remain.
• Demography: Slightly female-biased sex ratio (1:1.32), but very low numbers of juveniles and calves indicate poor recovery.

Ecological Significance

• Important prey species for large predators such as tigers and leopards.
• Herbivory: Helps regulate vegetation dynamics.
• Seed dispersal: Contributes to forest regeneration and ecosystem balance.

Causes of Decline

• Habitat degradation & fragmentation due to human activity.
• Anthropogenic pressures: Rising livestock populations (approx. 1.5 lakh around Betla region).
• Disease transmission from domestic cattle (e.g., foot-and-mouth disease, rinderpest).
• Genetic bottlenecks due to small and isolated herds.

Recovery Efforts in PTR

• Action Plan: “Ecology and Recovery Plan of Gaur in PTR” prepared after two years of research.
• Habitat improvement: Grassland expanded from 190 ha to 400 ha; waterholes secured.
• Security: 40 anti-poaching camps with round-the-clock staff.
• Technology: Use of GPS and modern monitoring systems.
• Disease control: Large-scale livestock vaccination programmes to reduce risks.
• Genetic infusion: Proposal to introduce Gaurs from Kanha Tiger Reserve (Madhya Pradesh) to improve genetic diversity.

About Palamau Tiger Reserve

• Location: Chota Nagpur Plateau, Jharkhand.
• Established: One of the first nine tiger reserves (1973 Project Tiger).
• Area: 1,129 sq km (Core: 414 sq km; Buffer: 715 sq km).
• Protected areas within PTR:
  • Palamau Wildlife Sanctuary
  • Betla National Park

In News:

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully conducted release trials of the indigenously developed Long-Range Glide Bomb (LRGB) ‘Gaurav’ from a Su-30 MKI aircraft.

About LRGB ‘Gaurav’

• Type: Air-launched, precision-guided munition.
• Purpose: Designed for accurate strikes on land targets from stand-off distances, i.e., beyond enemy air defence range.
• Indigenously developed by DRDO under the Ministry of Defence.

Key Features

• Range:
  • Demonstrated precision strike at nearly 100 km.
  • Operational range: 30–150 km.
• Variants by Weight:
  • Gaurav (winged): 1,000 kg
  • Gautham (non-winged): 550 kg
• Guidance Systems:
  • Inertial Navigation System (INS)
  • Satellite-based navigation (e.g., GPS/IRNSS)
  • Digital control for enhanced accuracy

Significance

• Boosts India’s precision strike capability.
• Promotes self-reliance in defence technology under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.

Related Concepts

Glide Bomb:

• A precision-guided munition that travels significant distances without powered propulsion.
• Uses aerodynamic lift to glide toward the target.
• Navigation via INS, GPS, or laser guidance.

Su-30 MKI Aircraft:

• A twin-engine, multirole fighter aircraft.
• Developed jointly by Sukhoi Design Bureau (Russia) and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).
• Backbone of the Indian Air Force (IAF) combat fleet.