The Hard-ground Barasingha (Rucervus duvaucelii branderi), or swamp deer, is an endangered subspecies endemic to Central India, notably Kanha National Park. Unlike other swamp deer, they have hard, non-splayed hooves for grazing on dry, hard ground rather than wet, marshy areas. They are large herbivores with 12–14 tined antlers and are currently threatened by habitat fragmentation.
Key Facts about Rucervus duvaucelii branderi:
Distinct Physical Features: This subspecies features unique hard, black hooves, unlike the soft, splayed hooves of Northern subspecies that live in wetlands.
Habitat: Unlike others of its species, this variant lives in dry, hard-ground habitats, primarily open woodlands and tall grasslands in Central India.
Diet: They are dedicated grazers, relying heavily on tall grass species such as Saccharum, Imperata, and Narenga.
Social Structure: They are social animals, often forming large herds, sometimes reaching up to 60 individuals in the central Indian plains.
Breeding: Breeding peaks between September and October in Kanha National Park, with a gestation period of approximately 240–250 days, usually resulting in a single calf.
Conservation Status: They are listed as vulnerable to extinction, with their population largely restricted to a few protected reserves.
Reintroduction: They have been successfully reintroduced into sites like Satpura Tiger Reserve to expand their habitat, where second and third-generation fawns have been born.
Appearance: They have dark, woolly, brownish coats in winter, shifting to a brighter, light brown-orange in the summer.Name: "Barasingha" translates to "twelve-tined," referring to their extensive antler branching.
Barasingha is the colloquial Indian term for The Swamp Deer. It means “the twelve tined one.” Their antlers are a spectacle to behold. An adult male can have somewhere between 12 to 15 tines in his antlers. The heavy branches make them look prettiest.
If you notice a chital, aka spotted deer, you would see that they have only about three tines. But this one has twelve, and that is the whole beauty of it. Central India was once the ground for these hard ground swamp deer. However, somewhere in the 1970s, the number fell drastically to double digits, making Barasingha an endangered species. This drew a nation-wide concern.
Around the same time, a conservation project for tigers was initiated. It facilitated suitable grounds for the Barasingha to thrive as well. A win-win!The success story of the increasing number of swamp deers in Kanha National Park is India’s one of the best conservation projects.
The Barasingha, also called swamp deer, is a special kind of deer found in India, Nepal, and Bangladesh! 🦌They are known for their unique antlers, which can have up to 12 points, and their beautiful golden-brown fur. The name "Barasingha" comes from the Hindi words "bāra," meaning "twelve," and "singh," meaning "antler." This species is very social and lives in herds. They love marshy areas where they can find food and stay safe. You'll usually find them near lakes, rivers, and grasslands!
