Which of the following is the state animal of Rajasthan?

Rajasthan’s state animal, the Chinkara antelope, has been dying in large numbers in Jaisalmer’s Orans or traditional desert pastures, according to local residents.

According to the local residents, more than 100 Chinkara have died prematurely in the last three-four months.

Fourteen antelope died near the wall of the solar park near Lakhasar village in the district in June, 2022. The post mortem revealed that two of the animals that were female, were also pregnant.

The antelope, when feeling threatened by feral dog or humans, ran along these pathways, only to crash into the walls of the parks. They also got trapped in the fencing at times and died.

However, forest department officials denied these allegations. According to GK Verma, Jaisalmer Deputy Conservator of forests, the 14 antelope had been surrounded and killed by feral dogs. Their cause of death has not been attributed to them hitting against the wall according to the forest officials.

In order to prevent such deaths, the department has conducted a drive to catch dogs several times in association with local bodies as per the Jaisalmer Deputy Conservator of forests.

By: A D Singh