Q. What is the difference between the antelopes Oryx and Chiru? (UPSC Prelims 2012)
Answer:
Oryx is adapted to live in hot and arid areas whereas Chiru is adapted to live in steppes and semi-desert areas of cold high mountains
Notes: The correct answer is
[A] Oryx is adapted to live in hot and arid areas whereas Chiru is adapted to live in steppes and semi-desert areas of cold high mountains.These two antelopes are distinct in their habitats, physical adaptations, and the reasons they are unfortunately targeted by poachers.
Habitat and Adaptation
- Oryx (Gemsbok): These are large antelopes adapted to extremely hot and arid environments, such as the deserts of Africa and the Arabian Peninsula. They can go for long periods without drinking water, fulfilling their moisture needs from succulent plants.
- Chiru (Tibetan Antelope): The Chiru is adapted to the cold, high-altitude steppes and semi-deserts of the Tibetan Plateau (including parts of Ladakh in India). To survive temperatures that can drop to -40°C, they have developed an exceptionally warm and soft undercoat.
Why the Other Options are Incorrect?- Poaching (Refuting B): Oryx are generally not poached for "antlers" (they have permanent horns, not deciduous antlers). Chiru, however, are heavily poached for their underwool, known as Shahtoosh, which is used to make incredibly expensive and lightweight shawls. This trade is illegal under CITES.
- Location (Refuting C): The Oryx is not native to India (it belongs to Africa/Arabia). The Chiru is found in the high-altitude regions of Ladakh (Northern India/Tibet), not the Northeast.