Albino Hog Deer | Babesia Infection

Albino Hog Deer

Environment

Context

• A rare albino hog deer was recently spotted roaming inside Assam’s Kaziranga National Park.

• • About
  • The albino hog deer is a small cervid native to the region of the Indian subcontinent and Indo-Gangetic Plain. 
  • It is characterised by white fur, pink eyes and pale hooves.
  • Due to a rare genetic mutation known as albinism, the animal entirely lacks melanin pigment.
  • Albinism can make survival difficult in nature as these animals often struggle with camouflage, visibility to predators, and sensitivity to sunlight.
  • Beyond hog deers, India is also home to a variety of albino species, such as the Gaur, Indian cobra and primates like rhesus macaque.
• Odisha’s Bhitarkanika National Park is famously home to rare albino saltwater crocodiles.

Babesia Infection

Science & technology

Context

• Eight lion cubs have died in Gujarat due to a suspected Babesia infection, raising concerns about the health of the Asiatic lion population.

About

• Babesia is a parasitic disease transmitted through ticks and can cause weakness, fever, coughing and nasal discharge in infected animals.
• It is a zoonotic disease, meaning it can transmit from animals to humans.
• Atovaquone plus azithromycin is used to treat most mild to moderate cases and is usually taken for 7 to 10 days.

Asiatic Lion (Panthera leo persica)

• • It is one of the five big cat species found in India.
  • Physical Characteristics: Asiatic lions are slightly smaller than African lions. 

• Males have less developed manes, leaving their ears visible.

• • Prominent longitudinal fold of skin along the belly (a distinguishing feature from African lions).

• Distribution: In India, concentrated in the state of Gujarat in and around the Gir Forest mainly in;

1. Gir National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary
2. Paniya Wildlife Sanctuary
3. Mityala Wildlife Sanctuary
4. Barda Wildlife Sanctuary

Conservation Status:

1. IUCN Red List status: Endangered
2. CITES: Appendix I
3. Wildlife Protection Act, 1972: Schedule I