Research

Life Sciences & Biotechnology

Title :	Assessing fine-scale distribution pattern, population and habitat status of northern Swamp deer (Rucervus duvauceli duvauceli) across upper Gangetic Plains of north India
Area of research :	Life Sciences & Biotechnology
Focus area :	Biodiversity conservation including issues of Alien and invasive species and Human-wildlife interface
Principal Investigator :	Dr Samrat Mondol, Wildlife Institute of India (WII), Dehradun
Timeline Start Year :	2019
Timeline End Year :	2022
Contact info :	samrat@wii.gov.in; samratmondol@gmail.com; bivash.pandav@wii.gov.in

Details

Executive Summary :	Swamp Deer (Rucervus duauceli) is endemic to grasslands of India and Nepal. As per IUCN it falls in Vulnerable Category and is listed under Schedule-I under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. The total estimated population of Swamp Deer is about 3000 in the world of which about 2000 are found in Nepal and about 1000 in India. The species cannot survive without grasslands and hence conservation of grasslands is an important aspect of the conservation of the Swamp Deer. Swamp Deer (Rucervus duvauceli) is a highly endangered species in the agriculture-forest landscape of the country with only 50-60 Swamp deer found in the natural habitats of Jhilmil Jheel and Hastinapur WLS in the State of Uttar Pradesh and found only in grasslands. Hence, conservation of their habitats is critical to conserving their populations in the two habitats otherwise the species may disappear altogether. Specific conservation plans are required to be prepared and implemented by the concerned State Governments on priority. The geographical location of the project is in the States of Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand. Very limited information on swamp deer in the upper Gangetic plains exists. Swamp dear is found in fragmented grassland patches for breeding and rearing their young ones. Presently found in the extremely patchy distribution in Uttar Pradesh. Major threats are habitat loss and poaching. No study has been carried out on their actual area of distribution covering an area of about 1300-1500 sqkm (480km x 5-8km wide). The grass species dominant in grassland patches are Typha sp., Cynodon sp. and Phragmites sp. An extensive survey of swamp deer presence along the Ganga block and Sharda block will be carried out under the proposed study. For reducing inbreeding, genetic study would be an important aspect of the study, Dr. Navendu Page from WII, who is also part of the team, is an expert in Botany and will be involved in the study of grassland species which are an essential part of the swamp deer habitat. Swamp deer evidence will be collected by direct siting and indirect evidence and on that basis distribution and habitat map for swamp deer will be generated. Four swamp deer will be radio-collared in the proposed study and their home range, movement and habitat use pattern will be assessed. State Forest Department has sought for a Management Plan for implementation under the proposed study. In this context, it was stated that the State Government is also mulling introduction of Rhinos in these habitats which are also suitable for Rhinos. The State Forest Department is attempting to make a contiguous grassland habitat to host a small Rhino population. Thus, both species will benefit from this study. Objective: i. Assessing the fine-scale distribution of Swamp deer across its habitat in Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh through intensive ecological surveys. ii. Mapping the distribution of grassland patches with Swamp Deer evidence along upper Ganga and its tributaries, along with evaluation of the extent of grassland usage by wildlife and identifying suitable sites for grassland restoration. iii. Study of the grassland and other plant species that are a mainly essential part of Swamp Deer diet and their distribution and habitat. iv. Understanding Swamp Deer movement patterns by radio collaring selected male and female animals in the Jhilmil Jheel Conservation Reserve and Banganga wetland area. v. Genetic analysis of Fecal Pellets. vi. Integrating all the information to develop a long-term management plan for Swamp Deer (Barasingha) populations across north India.
Co-PI:	Dr Bivash Pandav, Scientist, Wildlife Institute of India (WII), Dehradun
Total Budget (INR):	52,91,240
Outcome/Output:	Output: Fine-scale data of swamp deer occurrences. Detailed mapping and selection of critical habitats for restoration. Information on swamp deer behavior and habitat use. Outcome: Major outcome will be the most detailed information on northern Swamp deer distribution. habitat use and threats. Identification of critical grassland patches for restoration. Selecting individuals from populations for reintroduction in suitable areas, whenever required.