Assessing the swamp deer habitat.

The Swamp Deer (Rucervus duvaucelii ranjitsinhii) subspecies is endemic to Assam with only a single viable population remaining in Kaziranga. It has been red-listed as Vulnerable however in few places it is endangered on the basis of declines in numbers and area of habitat. The population in Manas has experienced sharp reductions leading to serious concern over its status within India and IUCN’s Species Survival Commission. There are now only two herds presently occurring in the central and eastern range of Manas NP (Das et al. 2009). Establishment of second viable population to compliment the Kaziranga population is of the utmost urgency for the conservation of the species.

Recently, the protection and management of Manas NP has been significantly enhanced under the Indian Rhino Vision 2020 (IRV 2020); this now provides the much needed improved environment to re-establish a viable swamp deer population in its former range as an insurance to the only other population in Kaziranga NP. This study will provide conservationists and managers with much needed baseline and the evidence based recommendations for the recovery of the Manas swamp deer population. This will include evaluating supplementation and predator proof sanctuary as a component of the strategy to accelerate expansion of population and enhance preservation of genetic diversity.

In this study we will continue to monitor the existing herds, further assess the potential drivers of population decline and develop mitigation measures as part of a recovery plan.