Hyderabad Zoo is playing a pivotal role in saving one species – the mouse deer. After a year and half since the zoo breeding programme started, the zoo’s mouse deer population has increased from 8 to 30.
The zoo’s conservation centre began the breeding programme much earlier but it was in March 2011 when the programme got the attention of the Central Zoo Authority which funded them for a customized enclosure.
Now that the zoo has achieved some success in increasing the population of a deer, it plans to expand the area used for the breeding to allow as many as 50 mouse deers to be housed comfortably. They are also planning to release the deers into the wild when the numbers increase further.
“We will select areas where there was some mouse deer population earlier but has now disappeared. They will be released with transponders so that their movements can be tracked,” said A Shankaran, curator, zoo park.
Mouse deers are small in size and can be easily mistaken for a hare or a mole. They are nocturnal animals and prefer to spend their time in thickets rather than out in the open. The deer are constantly hunted and are at risk because of the poaching activities.
Some experts say that though the deers live for 4 to 5 years their life expectancy is decreasing which is alarming news for the future.
“The number is going down considerably because of poaching. If the population increases, there will be more births. These animals have an important role to play in the wild,” said an expert.
Mouse deers are also known as chevrotains.
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I remember seeing this animal in some zoo, whether here or in London, I am not sure. But this is great news. If one species can be saved, others can be too. All it needs is some planning and dedication.
how wonderful zephyr that you had an oppurtunity to see mouse deers. They look extremely cute. As you said, Planning and dedication is a must. Also more people need to be aware of the wonderful animals that are not so common. When we get to know someone…we start caring about them a little more…isn’t it? 🙂
it is a great program. Govt. should allow them as pets and encourage private breading center. That is the best way to increase their population, like Europe permit Deer farming. This small animal is been attacked by all including human being, cats, dog etc. It need real protection. In the past there were plenty in our place in Kerala, now we cant see even one, like Malabar Civet.
Regards
Jacob Dubai