The Gujarat Forest Department has shifted 50 spotted deer from the Sasan Gir Wildlife Division to the Mandvi Forest Range of the Surat district. The shift, which is intended to increase biodiversity, bolster the prey population of carnivorous animals, and reduce human-animal conflicts, has been carried out in three stages between May and June. In total, 21 deer have been transferred in May and June.
This endeavour corresponds to the Gujarat Government’s strategy for scientific conservation of forests. Arjun Modhwadia, Gujarat’s Minister for Forests and Environment, stated that the translocation was carried out under the provisions of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, as part of long-term efforts to restore ecological balance by increasing herbivore populations in suitable landscapes. Pravin Mali, the Minister of State for Forests and Environment, added that a healthy prey base allows predators to find food within their natural habitats, which reduces the likelihood of them wandering into human-dominated areas in search of food.
According to Jaipal Singh, the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife) and Chief Wildlife Warden, the initiative builds on existing conservation work in the Mandvi Forest Range. The department has already established a spotted deer breeding centre to bolster local herbivore numbers and a jungle fowl breeding centre to diversify the prey base whilst enriching avian biodiversity.
In addition to these efforts, the department has also formed a Quick Response Team (QRT), which has been supplied with the latest rescue equipment to deal with any emergencies regarding the wildlife. As Puneet Nayyar, the Conservator of Forests for Surat Circle mentioned, habitat surveys were done before the relocation of these deer to make sure that the site is suitable for the survival of these deer. Ten water sources have also been made available for these deer in the release site.
The implementation of a thorough post-release surveillance program is currently ongoing. This includes field observations through forest guards and trackers who are trained in tracking. Camera traps are also employed strategically to observe the behaviour and the well-being of the deer in their new environment. The officials see this project as an important process to increase ecological resilience in the Surat Forest Division of South Gujarat.
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