Ethological Perception of Nilgai (Boselaphus tragocamelus) and the Local Ecosystem of Gopalganj District of Bihar
1*Anjali Srivastava and 2Rana Vikram Singh
1Department of Zoology, Kamla Rai College, Gopalganj - 841428 (India) (Jai Prakash University, Chhapra) - 841301 (India) 2Department of Zoology, Jai Prakash University, Chhapra - 841301 (India) *Correspondence address : anjali.sinha19515@gmail.com
ABSTRACT
Nilgai is a hoofed ungulate and the largest Asian antelope, also called as Blue Bull. It is endemic to peninsular India and also it is the single member of it’s genus. A study was conducted on the various behaviors of Nilgai in the Gopalganj district of Bihar from march 2023- february2024 for analyzing the behavioral pattern of Nilgai and it’s impact on the ecosystem of Gopalganj district of Bihar. Direct sighting and camera photography/recording along with questionnaire cum survey and personal conversation with the villagers was done The animal was found grazing along with other cattle in the field , mingling in harmony with Grass egret, Mynah bird and dogs of the region indicating towards it’s docile behavior. It’s highly adaptive feeding behavior led to destruction of crops of the area by feeding and trampling of the crops, while the dung piling habit helped in increased seed dispersal and soil enrichment of the area. Overall the impact was negative as well as positive on the local ecosystem.