The Eastern Swamp Deer, which is considered vulnerable, has recently seen a decrease in population at the Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve located in Assam. This decline can be placed on two high floods that occurred in 2019 and 2020. In a more positive light, the Eastern Swamp Deer has currently been dispersed to areas outside of the Kaziranga National Park, including Orang National Park, as well as the Laokhowa-Burachapori wildlife sanctuaries located in Assam.
Swamp Deer Subspecies in the Indian Subcontinent
There are three subspecies of swamp deer that can be found within the Indian Subcontinent.
Firstly, the Western Swamp Deer (scientific name Rucervus duvaucelii) can be primarily found in Nepal.
The second type of swamp deer is the Southern Swamp Deer or the Hard Ground Barasingha (scientific name Rucervus duvaucelii branderi), and these can usually be found in central and north India.
Lastly, the Eastern Swamp Deer (scientific name Rucervus duvaucelii ranjitsinhi) are commonly found in Kaziranga National Parks in Assam, and Dudhwa National Parks in Uttar Pradesh.
Protection Status of Swamp Deer
The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has given the swamp deer a status of ‘Vulnerable’ on their Red List. This means that this species of deer is considered to be facing a high risk of extinction in the wild.
Moreover, the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), an international agreement between governments, has listed the swamp deer in Appendix I. This means that this species of deer is among the most endangered animal species, and that international trade involving those species is prohibited except for non-commercial purposes.
In addition, the swamp deer is covered under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972 in India. This provides the deer with absolute protection. Penalties for offences under this schedule are the highest, reflecting the high degree of protection for those species that are mentioned in the list.
Actions in Response to Declining Swamp Deer Population
The country has taken measures in response to the concerning decline in the swamp deer’s population. The eastern swamp deer have been relocated to other areas outside of the Kaziranga National Park. These locations include Orang National Park, and Laokhowa-Burachapori wildlife sanctuaries which are both situated in Assam.
This move is expected to boost the chances of survival for these vulnerable animals, by protecting them from dangers like floods, which have been the cause for their recent decline in numbers. The new locations provide safer habitats, giving the deer a better chance at increasing their population.
Moreover, other conservation strategies are being explored and implemented to protect and conserve the swamp deer populations in the country. This includes habitat improvement, anti-poaching measures, and scientific monitoring among others.
Importance of Conserving the Swamp Deer
Swamp deer are an important part of the ecosystem they inhabit. They help keep the vegetation of their habitats under control, thereby contributing to the ecological balance. When their population decreases significantly, it can cause irreversible changes in the environment that could negatively affect other species as well.
Their conservation is crucial, not only for the sake of maintaining biodiversity but also for maintaining the health of the ecosystems they are a part of. Therefore, continuous efforts are needed to protect these vulnerable animals from further decline.
