Anthropogenic threat to Gaur (Bos gaurus) in Baisipalli Wildlife Sanctuary, Eastern Ghat, India
India’s Eastern Ghat is one of the key biodiversity areas that is facing high anthropogenic disturbance from different sites. Baisipalli Wildlife Sanctuary in Orissa is considered as the gateway to Eastern Ghat and one of the major conservation areas of this region. The vegetation of the sanctuary largely comprises northern tropical moist deciduous and dry deciduous forests and moist peninsular low level Sal (Shorea robusta) forest. It is also a good habitat for gaur (Bos gaurus), which is listed under Schedule-I of the Wildlife
(Protection) Act, 1972. But this area is highly affected by different human activities which are causing the gradual depletion of habitat of wild animals including Gaur.