Analysis of Unique Polycerate Evolution and Sexual Dimorphism in Tetracerus quadricornis (Four-horned Antelope), Review of Conservation Policies, To better understand the Four-horned antelope and improve its habitat by involving local communities

Pooja Kumari Sharma

doi:10.36948/ijfmr.2026.v08i01.68153

Analysis of Unique Polycerate Evolution and Sexual Dimorphism in Tetracerus quadricornis (Four-horned Antelope), Review of Conservation Policies, To better understand the Four-horned antelope and improve its habitat by involving local communities

Author(s)	Pooja Kumari Sharma
Country	India
Abstract	This research paper focuses on the Indian subcontinent. The study looks at the special physical and evolutionary features of the four-horned antelope, a rare and native species. This animal is unique in its family, Boreidae, because it has four horns, which is a result of a special evolutionary development. It also shows clear differences between males and females, known as sexual dimorphism. The main goal of this study is to understand how horns developed in male four-horned antelopes and the biological reasons behind the physical and non-inherited differences between the sexes. It also explores how natural and hidden adaptations have influenced these features over time. The research specifically examines the Sitamata Wildlife Sanctuary in Rajasthan, which is an important area for the Dhausingha. The paper reviews existing conservation efforts and suggests new strategies that include modern techniques like camera trapping, restoring habitats, and involving local communities in conservation. These ideas are discussed in relation to the Sitamata Sanctuary. The study aims to provide useful guidance for decision-makers and wildlife specialists to help ensure the long-term survival of this endangered species. The Four-horned Antelope, also called the Chousingha, is a small type of cattle-like animal that only lives in India and Nepal. It is special because it has four horns, which is not common among other wild cattle. This summary talks about how unique the Chousingha is, how it is doing in terms of protection, and why it's important to involve local communities in its conservation. Tetracerus quadricornis is one of the smallest Asian bovids and is commonly known as the four-horned antelope or chousingha. it is native to peninsular India and parts of lowland Nepal. The four-horned antelope, also known as Tetracerus quadricornis, is a vulnerable, solitary animal that is native only to Asia and is the smallest member of the group of herbivores called bovids. Researchers studied its behavior in three wildlife areas in western India between April 2014 and May 2016. They used a method where they focused on specific animals whenever they had the chance. The study found that the antelope was most active in the morning and again in the evening. During these times, they spent most of their time feeding and walking. The antelope was mostly seen alone, with only about a third of the observations showing them in groups. On average, when they were in a group, there were about two and a half animals. When people approached, the antelope usually ran away when they were about 62 meters away, but this distance wasn't strongly connected to how long they stayed still before running. The antelope was seen to leave waste in the same area as three other mammals, and it was also seen spending time with six other types of mammals. Additionally, the antelope was observed eating parts of plants that had fallen from trees, specifically from 13 different types of trees, which had been dropped by langurs. T. quadricornis is a sexually dimorphic boselaphid with small size; only males have horns, with two of the three recognized subspecies having two anterior and two posterior smooth, sharp horns, a feature unique among wild horned mammals. Tetracerus is monotypic. It prefers dry deciduous forested areas and hilly regions and is secretive and poorly studied. This small species is classified as Vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources, and it is very rare in captivity. There is some concern about whether subspecies features include the presence or absence of front horns. Young male animals between 10 and 14 months old, who haven't developed front horns yet, can be mistaken for adult males of similar size.in terms of evolution, male Chousings have two pairs of horns, which is a rare feature among wild cattle. There is also a big difference between males and females, as females do not have horns. Recent findings suggest that females might actually be bigger than males, which goes against old ideas. The Chousingha is listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List and is fully protected under India’s Wildlife (Protection)Act, which is the highest level of protection.it still faces serious challenges like habitat loss, people hunting for its horns, and invasive plants such as Lantana camara that Conservation efforts need more than just government actions. Working with local communities is key to improving habitats by managing grazing land and bringing back native plants. To keep the Chousingha safe, it is important to protect the dry forests it calls home and support community-led efforts. This helps reduce conflicts between people and wildlife and ensures that the special environment the Chousingha depends on remains healthy. the main goal of the project is to understand the ecology of the Four-horned antelope in habitats under serious human pressures and to involve local communities in improving habitat conditions to achieve long-term conservation of the species. We planned to achieve this by objectives such as improving conservation awareness among the local village communities and school-going children, starting discussions with resource user groups to reduce pressure on the antelope’s habitat, encouraging communities to take part in habitat improvement by addressing issues like water scarcity during summer, illegal brewing at waterholes, over-grazing, and tree cutting. Other objectives included understanding the impact of forest fires on the habitat and how the antelope responds to these changes by monitoring vegetation and antelope movements. We also aimed to involve villagers in discussions to propose the project area as a Conservation Reserve and to gain legal status for its long-term management by local communities.
Keywords	Dhausindha Silence, Dvirupta, Vahushtanga Evolution Conservation Policy, Panm Jeep Management chauka, chousingha, four-horned antelope, India, ruminant, ungulate, vulnerable species.Conservation, , physical
Field	Biology > Zoology
Published In	Volume 8, Issue 1, January-February 2026
Published On	2026-02-05
DOI	https://doi.org/10.36948/ijfmr.2026.v08i01.68153

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Analysis of Unique Polycerate Evolution and Sexual Dimorphism in Tetracerus quadricornis (Four-horned Antelope), Review of Conservation Policies, To better understand the Four-horned antelope and improve its habitat by involving local communities

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