Barasingha population rises in MP

BHOPAL: The population of 'Barasingha' or swamp deer (hard ground) has risen to over 350 and this endangered species can now be spotted in the Kanha Tiger Reserve in Eastern Madhya Pradesh, forest officials said.

The Barasinghas' population has risen over 350 and now they are seen in more than 15 places. Earlier, these animals were spotted in ten places in the reserve, Kanha reserve's outgoing director R P Singh said while adding their exact population will be known after a census which is expected at the year-end.

According to wildlife experts, population of Cervus Duvaceli Branderi, a sub species of antelope, popularly known as 'Barasingha', only found in Kanha and not in any part of the world, had dwindled in 1970s to 66, which led to the fear that they might become extinct.

But in 80s, the Barasingha population shot up to around 330 and since then their numbers stagnated. In 2006, the state forest officials even thought of translocating some of these animals to Satpura Tiger Reserve with an aim to increase their tribe. However, this plan could not take, officials said.

Doubts were also raised that their numbers had fell as they fall prey to tigers and other carnivores, being unable to enter deep forest swiftly due to their antles.