Description

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Context:

“Jungli Murga” (Grey Junglefowl) is an endangered species listed in Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, and the Wildlife (Protection) Amendment Act 2022.

About Grey junglefowl

It is also also known as Sonnerat's junglefowl. it is one of the wild ancestors of the domestic chicken, along with the redwood and other forest birds. This species is endemic to India and even today is found mainly in peninsular India and towards the northern border.

This species is mainly found in peninsular India but extends into Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh and southern Rajasthan. The red junglefowl is found more along the foothills of the Himalayas; the overlap area occurs in the Aravalli region.

Significance	Tropical species of pheasant and wild ancestor of domestic chicken. Vital for understanding bird domestication.
Native Range	India, Indo-China, Malaysia, and surrounding areas.
Habitat	Primary forests, dry scrub, and secondary growth forests.
IUCN Status	Least Concern
Reasons for Status	Wide geographical distribution. Population declines are not rapid enough to meet vulnerability criteria. Population size and trends are believed to be sufficient to prevent a vulnerable state.
Threats	Hybridization: Wild domestic chickens and intermediate subspecies threaten genetic purity. Lack of awareness: Limited education on the importance of maintaining pure red bird populations.
Role in Human History	Domesticated about 5,000 years ago in Southeast Asia. Became a key food source for early human societies. Introduced to Africa, South America, and the Pacific Islands.
Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972	The Gray Junglefowl is listed in Schedule I, giving it the highest level of legal protection. Hunting or consuming this species is a criminal offense punishable by law.
Sections of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS)	Section 353 (2): Refers to the dissemination of false information that promotes hatred. Section 356: Addresses defamation or intentional damage to reputation.
Cultural Sensitivities	The incident highlights the need to preserve local traditions while ensuring compliance with environmental laws.

Source:

The Hindu

PRACTICE QUESTION

Q.Consider the following statements regarding the Grey Junglefowl:

It is primarily found in dense tropical forests across South Asia.
The species is known for its vibrant plumage and is often found in areas with rich vegetation.
The Grey Junglefowl is the wild ancestor of the domestic chicken.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 1 and 2 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: d

Explanation:

Statement 1 is correct: The Grey Junglefowl is primarily found in dense tropical forests across South Asia, including parts of India, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, and parts of Southeast Asia.

Statement 2 is correct: The species is known for its vibrant plumage which includes striking colors and patterns.

Statement 3 is correct: The Grey Junglefowl is the wild ancestor of the domestic chicken,making it significant in understanding the domestication of poultry.