Nigai (Blue Bulls): 4,279 ‘nilgais’ culled in Bihar in 2024-25 (till Feb) due to widespread crop damage, as informed by State Environment Minister in the Assembly.
o IUCN Red List: Least Concern.
o Legal Protection: Listed under Schedule-III of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
o Nilgai declared vermin in Bihar in Dec 2015.
o Officials prepare a strategy before launching culling operations.
o Role of mukhiya (village head) is crucial in the entire process.