Barasingha

The barasingha (Rucervus duvaucelii), also known as swamp deer, is native to the Indian subcontinent, where it is primarily found in India and Nepal. It is recognized by its long, slender face and large antlers with typically ten to fourteen tines (the name “barasingha” translates to “twelve-tined”). Males are larger than females, standing about 110-120 cm (3.6-3.9 ft) at the shoulder and weighing between 170-280 kg (375-617 lbs), while females weigh between 130-145 kg (287-320 lbs). Its coat is typically yellowish-brown with a slight reddish tinge, distinguishing it from the larger and darker, brownish-grey sambar deer (Rusa unicolor). The sambar also has fewer tines on its antlers.

Barasinghas primarily inhabit tall grasslands, floodplains and swampy areas, with some populations also found more often in open forests. They are primarily grazers, feeding on grasses, leaves, and aquatic plants. During the dry season, they may venture into forests in search of food, but they predominantly remain in grasslands where they can find abundant grasses. Their feeding habits are diurnal, mostly foraging in the early morning and late afternoon, while resting in shaded areas during the hottest part of the day.

Barasinghas are social animals, typically forming herds of 10-20 individuals, although larger groups can be seen in areas with abundant resources. Males are generally solitary except during the breeding season. They communicate through a series of vocalizations, body postures, and scent markings. They are known for their alert and cautious nature, often relying on their acute sense of hearing and smell to detect predators. Barasinghas are excellent swimmers and often take to water bodies to escape predators or to cool off during hot weather.

The breeding season for barasinghas occurs from September to April, peaking in winter. Males engage in intense rutting behaviors, including vocalizations and antler displays, to attract females and establish dominance. Dominant male barasinghas may form harems with up to 30 females. After a gestation period of approximately 240-250 days, females give birth to a single fawn, typically in dense cover to protect it from predators. The fawn remains hidden for the first few weeks of life, with the mother returning periodically to nurse it. Barasinghas can live up to 20 years in the wild under optimal conditions.

There are three recognized subspecies of barasingha:

Western barasingha (R. d. duvaucelii): Found in the grasslands and swamps of northern and central India, particularly in the state of Uttar Pradesh, as well as Nepal. This subspecies is the most numerous with an estimated 3,500-4,200 individuals. It has hooves adapted for wetland habitats.

Southern barasingha (R. d. branderi): Found in central India, primarily in Madhya Pradesh’s Kanha National Park. It is found in open sal forests and is adapted to drier habitats. In 2016 it was estimated to be 750 individuals remaining. This subspecies has also been reintroduced to Satpura National Park a bit further west from Kanha.

Eastern barasingha (R. d. ranjitsinhi): Found in the Kaziranga and Manas National Parks in Assam, northeastern India. This subspecies is critically endangered, with less than 1000 individuals remaining in the wild.

The barasingha is currently listed as vulnerable on the IUCN Red List. The primary threats to its survival include habitat loss due to agricultural expansion, human encroachment, and poaching. Conservation efforts have been implemented in various national parks and wildlife sanctuaries, focusing on habitat restoration, anti-poaching measures, and breeding programs. These initiatives have shown positive results, particularly in protected areas like Kanha and Kaziranga National Parks.