Current Affairs

Sign in
GeographyGS3
GS3

BAU Scientists Demonstrate Nilgai Domestication to Protect Crops

Source:timesofindia-indiatimes ↗

Why It Matters

Directly addresses a major agrarian and environmental problem in Bihar—crop destruction by wild animals like Nilgai—through institutional research and domestication trials by BAU.

Summary

Bihar Agricultural University (BAU) scientists have demonstrated the domestication of Nilgai to mitigate massive crop damage caused by the animal across agricultural fields in Bihar, offering a novel approach to managing human-wildlife conflict.

Key Points

  • Scientists at Bihar Agricultural University (BAU), Sabour, have successfully demonstrated the domestication of Nilgai (blue bull) to address widespread crop damage in the state.
  • Nilgai populations have increasingly raided agricultural fields across Bihar, causing heavy financial losses to farmers.
  • The domestication and behavior modification initiative aims to mitigate human-wildlife conflict and protect farm yields while exploring sustainable management options.

Important Terms

Bihar Agricultural University (BAU)

An apex state agricultural varsity in Bihar conducting pioneering research and trials on the domestication of Nilgai to tackle farm crop devastation and human-wildlife conflict.

UPSC context

BPSC Paper II (Agriculture & Science/Technology): Essential for questions on state-level agricultural research, innovation, and rural livelihood challenges in Bihar.

Source
Nilgai (Boselaphus tragocamelus)

Asia's largest antelope (*Boselaphus tragocamelus*), widely distributed in Bihar causing massive crop damage, prompting novel non-lethal domestication strategies by researchers.

UPSC context

BPSC Paper II (Environment & Biodiversity): Tests awareness of human-wildlife conflict, wildlife management, and regional agricultural security issues in Bihar.

Source

Prelims Trap

Nilgai is a member of the domestic cattle family (Bovinae) native exclusively to agricultural plains of Bihar.

Aspirants often assume Nilgai is a bovine or cattle because of its common name 'blue bull' and domestication trials, but it is actually Asia's largest antelope.

Static Concepts Connected

Environment and Biodiversity

What is the legal status and management framework of Nilgai under Indian wildlife law?

  • Schedule Status: Nilgai (Boselaphus tragocamelus) is protected under Schedule III of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, giving it lower protection than tigers or elephants but requiring regulated management.
  • Vermin Provision: Under Section 62 of the WPA, 1972, states can request the Centre to declare certain overpopulated animals as vermin for specific periods.
  • Crop Damage: Bihar has frequently faced severe crop raiding by Nilgai herds, leading to farmer distress and localized culling permissions or mitigation trials by BAU.

Cross-Topic Patterns

  • Human-Wildlife Conflict in Bihar's Agrarian Economy

    Bihar's agrarian economy faces heavy losses from wildlife raids, linking agricultural productivity directly to forest department policies and wildlife corridors under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.

  • State Agricultural Universities & Applied Research

    BAU Sabour's research initiatives reflect how state agricultural universities bridge traditional farming crises with applied animal husbandry and behavioural modification science.

Expect matching questions on BAU Sabour's research initiatives or statutory protection status of Nilgai under the WPA 1972.

Linked PYQs · 2

Linked PYQs · 2

  • 2024-IBPSC_PRELIMSGS1

    In which district of Bihar, wheat crop production is maximum?

  • 2025BPSC_PRELIMSGS1

    Which of the following parks/sanctuaries come under the project tiger in Bihar?