CHINKARA - ENVIRONMENT

News: Chinkara killing case | Pay half of fine to informer, says Rajasthan court

 

What's in the news?

       In a first-of-its-kind judgment, a sessions court in Rajasthan’s Hanumangarh district has ordered the payment of half of the fine amount, imposed on a convict in a chinkara killing case, to the informer as a prize for helping in the detection of crime against wildlife.

 

Key takeaways:

       The court said it would make the society sensitive to wildlife protection.

 

Chinkara:

       Chinkara or Indian gazelle is the State animal of Rajasthan.

       It has a reddish-buff summer coat with smooth, glossy fur. In winter, the white belly and throat fur is in greater contrast.

       Horns are found on both males and females, although they are relatively shorter in females.

 

Habitat:

       Chinkara live in arid plains and hills, deserts, dry scrub and light forests.

       They can go without water for long periods and can get sufficient fluids from plants and dew.

 

Distribution:

       It is native to Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan and India.

       Around 60% of the global population of Indian gazelles is presently found in western Rajasthan.

 

Conservation:

       IUCN Red List - Least Concern