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PHYSICAL FEATURES AND NATURAL RESOURCES
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WILD ANIMALS
WILD ANIMALS: The chief of the wild animals is the Tiger (Wagh, Panthera felis). It is seen now only in the Satpuda ranges and the Hatti hills in the Edlabad peta. The loss to human life is negligible now but there are reports of cattle kills now and then. It is estimated that there were about a dozen tigers in this division.
The Panther—Bibla or Bimla (Panthera Felis pardus) is also found in this district and is more common than the tiger. It is found in the Satpuda, the Satmala and the Hatti hills and often
in the scrub forests of Jamner and Jalgaon ranges also. More damage to cattle is done by panthers than by tigers in this division.
The Wild Cat—Ran manjar (Felis chaus) is met all over the district and differs in size and colour only slightly from the house cat.
The Hyena—Taras (Hyena Striata) is not very common in this district. It is seen in the Satpudas very occasionally.
The Wolf—Landga (Canis lupus) is also not very common. No reports about damage to animals are received nowadays.
The Jackal—Kolha (Canis aureus) and the fox, Khokad (Vulpes bengalensis) are seen commonly everywhere.
The Wild Dog (Cuon rutilans) is found in the Satpuda hills very rarely.
The Indian Black Bear—Asval or Reechh (Melursus ursinus) is found in the Satpuda hills and the Hatti hills of Edlabad peta. The bear is usually seen in winter when it is after the Bor fruit and honey. Scratches on large trees indicate that he can climb up tall trees in search of fruit or honey. No reports of attacks on human beings or on cattle are received in recent times.
Wild Bear—Dukkar (Sus cristatus) causes lot of damage to crops. It resembles the domestic pig in appearance but is much more active and strong. It is mostly vegetarian. It destroys more than it eats. Complaints of vast damage to crops are still being received from the villages adjacent to forest areas. They are found practically all over the district.
The Stag—Sambhar (Rusa Unicolor) is found in the Hatti hills and the Satpuda ranges. Damage to crops from Sambhar is reported by the villagers living at the foot of the Satpuda hills.
The Spotted Deer—Chital (Axis) is occasionally seen in the Satpudas in the scrub forest areas along the Tapi river and in the kurans or grasslands.
The Barking Deer—Bhekar (Tetraceros quadricornis)—Four. horned antilope and the barking deer are seen occasionally in the Satpuda hills. Due to large-scale illicit shikar these have been practically reduced to negligible numbers.
The Blue Bull—Nilgai (Boselaphus tragocamelus) is commonly found in the Satpuda hills and the Hatti hills. Damage to crops is often reported from these animals. They are usually seen in the open forests feeding in large numbers.
The Indian Gazelle—Chiukara (Gazella bennettii) are quite common in the Satpuda and other hill ranges.
The Common Hare (Lepus ruficaudatus) is found all over the district.
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