Re introduction of Mouse Deer by Forest Department

·         One of the firsts of its kind in India, the Mouse deer was re-introduced in the forests of Nallamalla in Amrabad tiger reserve

·         Mouse Deer is also called Spotted Chevrotain and one of the endangered species which is found in deciduous and evergreen Forests of India.

·         They are nocturnal in habitat and because of their small size they are also called smallest ungulates  in the world.

·         In telugu this is called "Jarini Pandi".

·         Though they are found throughout India but due to destruction of habitat, poaching etc., their number is reducing day to day.

·         Nehru Zoological Park in association with LaCONES and Central Zoo Authority, Delhi have under taken conservation breeding  programme of mouse deer in the Nehru Zoological Park in March-2010 and after 6 years the population of mouse deer isincresed  to 172 (96 Males & 76 Females).

·         There were reports of presence of mouse deer in the past in Amrabad Tiger Reserve. In order to reintroduce the mosue deer which are bred in the NZP hyderbad suitbale location was identified in Mannanur range of ATR duly creating a protected enclosure over 2.14 hac of forest area.

·         The enclusre has been completely protected by providing solar fence, watering facility through solar powered bore, CCTV cameras etc. 

·         On 12.09.2017, (8) mouse deer (2 Males & 6 Females) were reintroduced by  releasing into above reintroduction enclosure by Field Director, Amrabad Tiger Reserve, Sri M.C. Pargaien in presence of District Forest Officer, Nagarkurnool Mr Joji, Forest Divisional Officer, Amrabad Mr Venkateshwarulu, FRO Sridevi ,Biologist  Mr sandeep and other field staff.

·         After  reintroduction the  mouse deer will be kept under observation and getting adapted to wild conditions for 3 – 4  cycles of 15 days each. For the next 2 months their behaviour will be monitored constantly under the supervision of field biologist, field staff and after every cycle of 15 days they will be shifted to another part of enclosure with gradual deduction in their diet and also providing ample natural food  in the enclosures.

·         Once they are found to be fully feeding on wild vegetation and adapted based on the observation they will be released in the wild and procedure will be repeated for the reamining  mouse deer bred in the Nehru Zoological Park.

·         It is expected that the release of mouse deer will increase the existing excellent bio-diversity of tiger reserve and add value to its biodiversity.

-Press note