How is the Barasingha being conserved?

This alluring and iconic species was once found in most of the Indian subcontinent but now it has become endemic to India and Nepal. Three vulnerable sub species have been distinguished on the basis of morphological features.

The Hard- ground Swamp deer has the smallest population of all the subspecies. They are relatively smaller in size, have long nasals, short snouts and more branched antlers and unlike other two subspecies, their hooves are adapted to hard and dry ground conditions. Free ranging population previously only existed in Kanha National Park. They are the state animal of Madhya Pradesh.
The winter coat is dark brownish in color whereas during the breeding season in monsoon, the coat becomes a soothing reddish golden brown.

From a population of around 3,000 in 1938, the Hard-ground Barasingha went near the brink of extinction by the 1970s, with only a single population of 66 individuals in Kanha left in the whole world.

The management however was quick to address this and they started various methods to secure and encourage the growth of their population.

Nonetheless, recognizing the inherent risks associated with concentrating an entire population of Swamp deer solely within the confines of Kanha National Park, experts have diligently acknowledged the importance of diversifying their distribution. They were not ready to place “all the eggs in one basket”. The potential devastation caused by calamities or epidemics necessitates a proactive approach to ensure the long-term survival of the subspecies.

Therefore, it has become imperative to undertake deliberate measures that involve introducing the Swamp deer to other geographically isolated suitable habitats within various reserves across Madhya Pradesh.

After this, over time 58 Swamp deers were translocated to Satpura Tiger Reserve successfully. Now this population has exceeded 100 individuals.
Currently efforts are being undertaken to introduce Swamp deers to Bandhavgarh National Park.

Written by: Samarth Jain

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