Status, Population Structure and Conservation of Swamp Deer (Cervus duvauceli duvauceli) in Dudhwa Tiger Reserve, Uttar Pradesh, India

Kaleem Ahmed, Jamal A Khan

Abstract


We studied status, distribution, social organization and the conservation problems faced by endangered swamp deer(Cervus duvuaceli duvuaceli) in Dudhwa Tiger Reserve (DTR). We estimated total population to be 1016 (578 inDudhwa National Park (DNP) and 438 in Kishanpur Wildlife Sanctuary (KWS)). The mean group size in DNPand KWS was 21.40±1.71 and 11.89±1.72, respectively. Overall mean group size in DTR was 18.37±1.71animals/group. Group size showed significant difference across difference habitat types (F = 28.3, d.f. = 2, P<0.01).Adult females formed major share of population in the study area. The male: female: fawn ratio in DNP and KWSwas 57:100:28 and 62:100:19, respectively. Overall sex ratio in DTR was 58:100:26. All male groups were largerthan female groups but the group size was highest for mixed groups. The major threat to swamp deer conservationthroughout DTR is the destruction of its habitat and illegal poaching. As a result, it has become locally extinct frommany areas. We recommend restriction on grass cutting in Satiana area, creation of some artificial taals (swamp)for wallowing, protection of taals for aquatic vegetation, relocation of Ghola and Ghajrola villages and intensivepatrolling of these areas during monsoons.

Keywords


Terai Grasslands, Group size, Sex Ratio, Kishanpur Wildlife Sanctuary, Management

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