The Southern Swamp Deer (Rucervus duvaucelii branderi), or hard-ground barasingha, is an endangered deer subspecies found only in Kanha National Park and the Satpura Tiger Reserve in Madhya Pradesh, India. Unlike other swamp deer, they have hard hooves adapted for dry, hard ground, inhabiting open sal forests.
Here are key facts about the Southern Swamp Deer:
Habitat and Adaptation: Adapted to hard ground and open sal forests, unlike their wetland-loving counterparts, these deer thrive in central India's grassland and forest mix.
Distinct Physical Features: They have hard hooves, a maned neck, and a vibrant, bright rufous-brown summer coat. Males possess impressive antlers, usually with 10 to 14 tines.
Population Recovery: Nearly extinct in the early 1970s with only about 60 individuals, successful conservation efforts in Kanha National Park boosted their population to around 750 by 2016.
Diet and Behavior: They are herbivores, primarily eating grasses and leaves, and are generally active throughout the day, with peaks in the morning and evening.
Social Structure: They live in single-sex or mixed herds of 10 to 20 individuals, often led by a female (hind), while males (stags) are less loyal to specific groups.
Conservation Status: Listed as part of the Vulnerable Rucervus duvaucelii species, they face threats from habitat loss, poaching, and inbreeding.
State Animal: The hard-ground barasingha is the state animal of Madhya Pradesh.
Reproduction: They have a polygynous mating system, with a 240–250 day gestation period, typically resulting in a single fawn.
They are currently being reintroduced into the Satpura Tiger Reserve to create a second, sustainable population.
