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Barasingha
Male
Adult female and yearling
CITES Appendix I (CITES)[1]
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Mammalia
Order: Artiodactyla
Family: Cervidae
Genus: Rucervus
Species:
R. duvaucelii
Binomial name
Rucervus duvaucelii
(G. Cuvier, 1823)[2]
Historic range (yellow); relict populations: duvaucelii (red); branderi (green); ranjitsinhi (blue)

The barasingha (Rucervus duvaucelii), sometimes barasinghe, also known as the swamp deer, is a deer species distributed in the Indian subcontinent. Populations in northern and central India are fragmented, and two isolated populations occur in southwestern Nepal. It has been extirpated in Pakistan and Bangladesh, and its presence is uncertain in Bhutan.[1]

The specific name commemorates the French naturalist Alfred Duvaucel.[3]

The swamp deer differs from all other Indian deer species in that the antlers carry more than three tines. Because of this distinctive character it is designated bārah-singgā, meaning "twelve-horned" in Hindi.[4] Mature stags usually have 10 to 14 tines, and some have been known to have up to 20.[5]

Characteristics

[edit]

The barasingha is a large deer with a shoulder height of 44 to 46 in (110 to 120 cm) and a head-to-body length of nearly 6 ft (180 cm). Its hair is rather woolly and yellowish brown above but paler below, with white spots along the spine. The throat, belly, inside of the thighs and beneath the tail is white. In summer, the coat becomes bright rufous-brown. The neck is maned. Females are paler than males. Young are spotted. Average antlers measure 30 in (76 cm) round the curve with a girth of 5 in (13 cm) at mid beam.[6] A record antler measured 104.1 cm (41.0 in) round the curve.[5]

Stags weigh 170 to 280 kg (370 to 620 lb). Females are less heavy, weighing about 130 to 145 kg (287 to 320 lb).[7] Large stags have weighed from 460 to 570 lb (210 to 260 kg).[4]

Barasingha herd in Kanha National Park, Madhya Pradesh
Barasingha stag
Illustration of barasingha antlers[6]

Distribution and habitat

[edit]

Swamp deer were once common in many areas, including parts of the Upper Narmada Valley and to the south, in Bastar, prior to the 19th century.[6] They frequent flat or undulating grasslands, floodplains and marshes, and generally stay on the outskirts of forests. At times, they are also found in open forest.[4] In the 1960s, the total population was estimated to be between 1,600-2,150 individuals in India, with about 1,600 in Nepal. Today, the distribution is further reduced and fragmented, due to major losses in the 1930s–1960s following unregulated hunting and conversion of large tracts of habitat into cropland.

In Nepal, they can be primarily found in the western areas of the country, south of the Himalayas, in Shuklaphanta and Bardiya National Parks. Within India, barasingha can be found in six localities in Uttar Pradesh. They are found in Kanha National Park, in Madhya Pradesh, and have also been observed across the state border in Chhattisgarh (near to Dhamtari),[8] likely the most southerly extent of their distribution. They are regionally extinct in West Bengal,[9] and are also likely extirpated from Arunachal Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, Meghalaya, Nagaland and Odisha.[10] A few barasingha still survive in Assam's Kaziranga and Manas National Parks.[11][12][13][14]

In 2005, a small population of about 320 individuals was discovered in the Jhilmil Jheel Conservation Reserve in Haridwar district, Uttarakhand, on the east bank of the Ganges. This likely represents the most northerly limit of the species.[15][16]

Distribution of subspecies

[edit]

Three subspecies are currently recognized:[17]

Swamp deer in Dudhwa National Park, Uttar Pradesh
  • Western swamp deer R. d. duvauceli (Cuvier, 1823) – the nominate subspecies, and most abundant, this water-loving deer has splayed hooves and is adapted to the flooded grassland habitat of the Indo-Gangetic plain;[18] in the early 1990s, populations in India were estimated at 1,500–2,000 individuals, and 1,500–1,900 individuals in the Shuklaphanta Wildlife Reserve of Nepal;[9] the latter population reached 2,170 individuals, including 385 fawns, in spring 2013.[19]
Swamp deer at Kahna National Park, Madhya Pradesh
Swamp deer in Satpura Tiger Reserve
  • Southern swamp deer (or hard ground swamp deer) R. d. branderi (Pocock 1943) – has hard hooves and is adapted to hard ground in open sal forest with a grass understorey;[18] survives only in Kanha National Park, to the west of Chhattisgarh and east of Madhya Pradesh. The population numbered about 500 individuals in 1988; 300–350 individuals were estimated at the turn of the century;[9] and 750 in 2016. It was reintroduced into Satpura Tiger Reserve.[20]
Swamp deer stag in Kaziranga National Park, Assam
  • Eastern swamp deer R. d. ranjitsinhi (Grooves 1982) – occurs only in Assam, where the population numbered about 700 individuals in 1978; 400–500 individuals were estimated in Kaziranga National Park at the turn of the century.[9] After a census conducted in 2021, 868 individuals were estimated in the park, with a further 121 in Manas National Park.[21]

Ecology and behaviour

[edit]

Swamp deer are mainly grazers.[4] They largely feed on grasses and aquatic plants, foremost on Saccharum, Imperata cylindrica, Narenga porphyrocoma, Phragmites karka, Oryza rufipogon, Hygroryza and Hydrilla. They feed throughout the day with peaks during the mornings and late afternoons to evenings. In winter and monsoon, they drink water twice, and thrice or more in summer. In the hot season, they rest in the shade of trees during the day.[9]

In central India, the herds comprise on average about 8–20 individuals, with large herds of up to 60. There are twice as many females than males. During the rut they form large herds of adults. The breeding season lasts from September to April, and births occur after a gestation of 240–250 days in August to November. The peak is in September and October in Kanha National Park.[7] They give birth to single calves.[7]

Herd of swamp deer grazing in Kahna National Park, Madhya Pradesh
Barasingha stags rutting in Kanha National Park, Madhya Pradesh
A barasingha mother and fawn in Assam

When alarmed, they give out shrill, baying alarm calls.[5] Compared to other deer species, barasingha are more relaxed when it comes to guarding. They have fewer sentries and they spend most of their time grazing, unlike deer species like spotted deer or sambar deer.[22]

Threats

[edit]

The swamp deer populations outside protected areas and seasonally migrating populations are threatened by poaching for antlers and meat, which are sold in local markets. Swamp deer lost most of its former range because wetlands were converted and used for agriculture so that suitable habitat was reduced to small and isolated fragments.[9] The remaining habitat in protected areas is threatened by the change in river dynamics, reduced water flow during summer, increasing siltation, and is further degraded by local people who cut grass, timber and fuelwood,[1] and by illegal farming on government land.[23]

George Schaller wrote: "Most of these remnants have or soon will have reached the point of no return."[7]

Conservation

[edit]

Rucervus duvaucelii is listed on CITES Appendix I.[1] In India, it is included under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972.[9]

An attempt to translocate some individuals to Chitwan National Park in Nepal was unsuccessful.[24]

In captivity

[edit]

In 1992, there were about 50 individuals in five Indian zoos and 300 in various zoos in North America and Europe.[9] There is a herd of barasingha at the Port Lympne Wild Animal Park in Kent, England.[25]

Swamp deer were introduced to Texas.[26] They exist only in small numbers on ranches.[27]

In culture

[edit]
  • The barasingha is the state animal of the Indian states of Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh.[28]
  • A barasingh (as Kipling writes the name) is mentioned ten times in The Miracle of Purun Bhagat, the second story in The Second Jungle Book. As that part of the story is set in the Himalayas, it is probably meant to be a member of the relict Rucervus duvaucelii duvaucelii population living on both sides of the India – Nepal border.[29]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]

Further reading

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Barasingha

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
The Barasingha, also known as the swamp deer (Rucervus duvaucelii), is a large deer species endemic to the swampy grasslands and wetlands of northern and southwestern . Characterized by its impressive antlers featuring up to twelve tines in adult males, it is a social grazer that forms herds of up to 250 individuals during the dry season. The species, once widespread across the , has experienced severe declines due to habitat loss and is now classified as Vulnerable on the , with a global population estimated at 3,500–5,000 individuals as of 2024. Physically, the Barasingha is a robust deer with males reaching a head-body length of 180–190 cm, shoulder height of 120–135 cm, and weight of 170–200 kg, while females are smaller at about 115 cm in height and 140–145 kg. Their coat varies seasonally, appearing reddish-brown in winter and grayish-brown in summer, and their splayed, spongy hooves are adapted for traversing marshy terrains. The species comprises three subspecies: R. d. duvaucelii (northern, found in Uttar Pradesh, southern Nepal, and Kaziranga), R. d. branderi (central Indian, primarily in Kanha), and R. d. ranjitsinhi (eastern, in Assam's Manas). It inhabits alluvial grasslands and riverine floodplains at elevations of 100–300 m, preferring wetter areas during the monsoon and drier grasslands in the dry season, though it has been extirpated from Pakistan and Bangladesh. Current strongholds include protected areas such as Kanha Tiger Reserve, Dudhwa National Park, Kaziranga National Park, and Nepal's Bardia National Park and Shuklaphanta National Park. Behaviorally, Barasingha are diurnal and gregarious, forming single-sex groups outside the breeding season and congregating in larger mixed herds during calving; males become territorial during the rut in late winter. They maintain home ranges of 10–30 km² and are mixed feeders, primarily consuming grasses and sedges but also browsing on terrestrial and aquatic herbs. Antlers are shed annually after the breeding season, with males using them in displays and combats. Conservation efforts have focused on habitat protection and reintroduction, with notable success in Kanha National Park, where the central Indian (R. d. branderi) recovered from fewer than 70 individuals in the 1960s to over 2,000 individuals as of 2024 through and measures. Recent population surveys show continued growth, with 3,579 individuals in and 1,431 in as of March 2025. The is protected under Schedule I of India's Wildlife Protection Act of and Appendix I of , prohibiting . Primary threats include habitat degradation from agricultural expansion, for antlers and meat, disease transmission from , and flooding in wetlands. Recent reintroductions, such as to from Kanha, have helped expand its range, but ongoing monitoring is essential to address fragmentation and human-wildlife conflicts.

Taxonomy and nomenclature

Etymology and common names

The name "Barasingha" derives from the Hindi and Urdu words bāra (meaning "twelve") and singha (meaning "horn" or "antler"), referring to the typical 12 tines on the antlers of mature males. This nomenclature highlights the species' distinctive antler structure, which can range from 10 to 15 tines, occasionally up to 20 in exceptional individuals. In English, the deer is commonly known as the swamp deer, a name reflecting its strong association with and marshy habitats across its range. Regional variations in include "Bara Singa," a phonetic adaptation of the term used in local contexts, particularly in central and northern regions. In , it is called dolhorina, where dol signifies "swamp" and horina means "deer," emphasizing its . Central Indian dialects refer to males as goinjak and females as gaoni. The scientific name Rucervus duvaucelii was established by French naturalist Georges Cuvier in 1823, with the specific epithet honoring the French explorer and naturalist Alfred Duvaucel, who contributed to early documentation of Indian fauna. Previously classified under Cervus duvaucelii, it was reclassified into the genus Rucervus based on phylogenetic distinctions from other deer species.

Classification and subspecies

The barasingha belongs to the order Artiodactyla, Cervidae, Rucervus, and species R. duvaucelii. Previously classified under the genus Cervus as C. duvaucelii, it was reassigned to following phylogenetic analyses that revived the genus in 2004, as adopted by the IUCN. Three are currently recognized: R. d. duvaucelii, the northern or swamp form distributed in northern (e.g., ), (Kaziranga), and southern ; R. d. branderi, the central or hard-ground form in ; and R. d. ranjitsinhi, the eastern subspecies, historically found in (e.g., ), which was considered possibly extinct but has shown revival through reintroduction efforts as of 2022. These subspecies exhibit genetic and morphological distinctions, such as variations in configuration and structural adaptations suited to their environments; for instance, R. d. ranjitsinhi features prominent brow tines, while genetic analyses reveal high intraspecific variation with weak inter- divergence and moderate heterozygosity levels. The assessment of 2015 upholds the validity of these within the overall Vulnerable status for R. duvaucelii, emphasizing their taxonomic distinctiveness based on combined morphological and molecular evidence, though under review. Recent reintroduction efforts have led to the revival of R. d. ranjitsinhi in , , highlighting ongoing conservation actions for this .

Physical characteristics

Morphology and size

The Barasingha (Rucervus duvaucelii) is a robustly built deer adapted to environments, with adults exhibiting considerable size variation. Males measure 180–190 cm in head-body length, stand 120–135 cm at the shoulder, and weigh 170–200 kg, while females are smaller at about 115 cm in shoulder height and 140–145 kg. These dimensions contribute to its status as one of the larger deer in , though measurements can differ slightly among subspecies. The coat of the Barasingha varies seasonally, appearing reddish-brown in winter and grayish-brown in summer, with whitish underparts, legs, rump, chin, throat, and inner ears. Some populations develop faint spots on the back in summer. Fawns are born with a brown coat featuring white spots that gradually fade as they mature. Structural adaptations enhance the Barasingha's suitability for marshy terrains, including strong, elongated legs and broad, splayed hooves that distribute weight to prevent sinking in soft substrates. Sensory includes large, mobile ears with whitish interiors and a highly developed , enabling effective predator detection.

Antlers and sexual dimorphism

The antlers of male Barasingha are a prominent feature, measuring up to 100 cm in length along the outer curve and characterized by a smooth, lyre-shaped main beam that sweeps upward before branching into multiple tines. Typically, adult males possess 10 to 15 tines, with the basic structure including a brow tine, bez tine, and trez tine, though additional points are common and can reach up to 20 in exceptional cases; this multi-tined configuration gives the species its name "Barasingha," meaning "twelve-tined." Antlers are shed annually following the rutting season, typically in late spring for populations in . Antler growth occurs rapidly during the summer months, coinciding with increasing daylight and nutrition availability, and reaches full size by the onset of the season, when males use them in dominance displays and contests to establish . in the Barasingha is evident in body size and ornamentation, with males significantly larger—reaching weights of 170–200 kg compared to 140–145 kg for females—and bearing antlers, while females lack them entirely. During the rut, males exhibit further dimorphism through the development of thicker necks and increased musculature, driven by elevated testosterone levels that enhance their competitive ability. Variations in antler morphology occur among ; for instance, the hard-ground form (R. d. branderi) in tends to have more pronounced brow tines and overall sturdier structures adapted to drier terrains.

Distribution and habitat

Historical and current range

The Barasingha was historically widespread across the , ranging from in the west through northern and to in the east, primarily inhabiting alluvial grasslands and riverine floodplains at elevations of 100–300 m in the Himalayan foothills. As of 2025, the species' range has contracted dramatically and is now fragmented across isolated protected areas in and , including Kaziranga and Manas National Parks in , Kanha and Satpura Tiger Reserves in , Dudhwa National Park and in , and Bardia and Shuklaphanta National Parks in , with a total global population estimated at under 5,000 individuals. The nominate subspecies R. d. duvaucelii is distributed in northern (including Uttar Pradesh's Dudhwa and ) and ( and Shuklaphanta), particularly in wetland habitats of Kaziranga; the central Indian subspecies R. d. branderi occurs in Kanha and Satpura; while the eastern subspecies R. d. ranjitsinhi is restricted to in , where the population is estimated at around 250 individuals as of 2025 following recent reintroductions. A notable recent expansion involved the reintroduction of R. d. branderi to in 2022, establishing a free-ranging population of over 100 individuals in suitable meadows.

Preferred habitats and adaptations

The Barasingha primarily inhabits tall , reedbeds, and swamps situated in alluvial floodplains, where seasonal flooding creates dynamic conditions. These habitats are typically found in the tropical zones of northern and and southern , with wet seasons driving the proliferation of grasses through inundation and nutrient-rich sediments. The species shows a strong affinity for areas adjacent to rivers, lakes, and marshes, enabling access to both terrestrial and aquatic resources. Physiological adaptations to these marshy environments include elongated legs suited for wading through deep water and , allowing in flooded terrains up to several feet deep. Behaviorally, Barasingha undertake seasonal movements to higher ground during peak monsoons to avoid prolonged submersion, while shifting foraging toward aquatic when terrestrial grasses become inaccessible. Their coat molts seasonally, turning from grayish-brown in summer to reddish-brown in winter, providing in varying light and conditions. Subspecies variations reflect habitat differences: the northern form (R. d. duvaucelii) favors wet swamplands and moist deciduous forests, whereas the hard-ground subspecies (R. d. branderi) occupies drier open grasslands with less flooding. At the microhabitat scale, individuals select open grassy patches for enhanced vigilance against predators, balanced with close proximity to sources for hydration and rapid escape routes. This strategic use of semi-open wetlands supports anti-predator behaviors and overall in flood-prone landscapes.

Ecology and behavior

Diet and foraging

The Barasingha (Rucervus duvaucelii) is a herbivorous grazer with a diet dominated by graminoids, including grasses and sedges, supplemented by terrestrial and aquatic herbs and minimal browsing on shrubs. Preferred food items include grasses such as Saccharum spontaneum, Imperata cylindrica, and Themeda spp., sedges like Cyperus spp. and Carex myosurus, and aquatic plants such as Typha spp. and Hydrilla verticillata. During the dry season, the species shifts toward browsing on shrubs like Acrocephalus indicus to compensate for reduced grass availability. Foraging occurs primarily during daylight hours, with peak activity in the early morning (0700-0900) and late afternoon (1500-1700), as the Barasingha feeds selectively in open grasslands and wetlands while traveling 2-3 km daily. Daily dry matter intake averages 2-3% of body weight, supporting its energy needs in wetland habitats. Seasonal patterns show a post-monsoon shift to taller grasses like Saccharum and Themeda spp. as they regenerate, while monsoon foraging emphasizes fresh shoots and aquatic vegetation for mineral intake, such as calcium from Typha rootstocks. As a , the Barasingha possesses a four-chambered stomach (, , , ) that facilitates microbial of fibrous , enabling efficient nutrient extraction from cellulose-rich grasses and aquatics. This allows prolonged rumination periods, often during midday in shaded areas. The exhibits high water dependency, obtaining much of its hydration from wetland and aquatic plants, which reduces the frequency of direct drinking to twice daily in winter and seasons, increasing to three or more times in summer. Foraging near permanent bodies is essential, particularly during dry periods when free water sources diminish.

Social structure and reproduction

Barasingha exhibit a characterized by the formation of herds typically consisting of 8 to 20 females accompanied by their fawns, which provide and facilitate vigilance against predators. Outside the breeding season, adult males are generally solitary or form loose groups of 2 to 5 individuals, maintaining distance from female herds to avoid conflict. During the rut, however, dominant males become territorial, establishing harems of up to 30 females by defending specific areas through vocalizations, , and aggressive displays, including clashes with rivals to assert dominance. The reproductive cycle of the barasingha is seasonal, with the rut occurring primarily from to , during which males produce characteristic roaring calls to attract females and deter competitors. lasts 240 to 250 days, resulting in births typically between and May, with females giving birth to usually a single fawn, rarely twins. is reached at 2 to 3 years of age for both sexes, allowing females to breed in their second year under optimal conditions. Parental care is provided exclusively by females, who nurse fawns for 6 to 9 months and remain protective, hiding newborns in dense to minimize detection by predators such as tigers and leopards. Fawn mortality is high in the first few months due to predation and environmental factors, which underscores the vulnerability of this life stage in wild populations. In the wild, barasingha have a lifespan of 20 to 25 years, though individuals in protected areas may occasionally reach this upper limit under reduced threats.

Conservation

Population status and threats

The Barasingha (Rucervus duvaucelii) is classified as Vulnerable on the , a designation from the 2015 assessment (published 2017), with an overall declining population trend projected to continue due to ongoing pressures. The global population is estimated at fewer than 5,000 mature individuals as of 2024, fragmented across isolated protected areas in northern, central, and northeastern , as well as southwestern . Local population trends show mixed results amid broader fragmentation. In Kanha National Park, numbers have recovered from just 66 individuals in 1970 to over 1,100 by 2023, representing a key success in a core habitat. Similarly, in Manas National Park, the population grew from 121 in 2021 to 174 in 2023, though these gains remain vulnerable to external factors. Overall, habitat isolation limits gene flow and increases extinction risk for small subpopulations. Major threats include severe habitat loss from agricultural conversion and flood control projects, which have reduced the ' historical range by approximately 90%. for antlers and meat persists, especially in unprotected or migratory areas, while diseases from domestic and episodic flooding events exacerbate mortality rates. These factors have driven a historical of over 50% in the past three generations. Among subspecies, the eastern form (R. d. ranjitsinhi) remains critically low in certain locales, with fewer than 100 individuals reported in isolated northeastern Indian sites as of recent surveys. The western subspecies (R. d. duvaucelii) is historically extinct in and , with surviving populations in numbering approximately 2,500 individuals as of 2024, though facing similar fragmentation.

Protection efforts and reintroductions

The Barasingha, also known as the swamp deer (Rucervus duvaucelii), receives stringent legal protection in India under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, which prohibits hunting, trade, and any form of exploitation, imposing severe penalties for violations. Internationally, it is classified under Appendix I of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), banning commercial trade in wild specimens to prevent further population decline. Conservation programs in have focused on habitat restoration and anti-poaching measures, with notable success in , where efforts initiated before Project Tiger's launch in 1973— including village relocations and grassland management—have indirectly benefited the hard-ground subspecies, leading to a population rebound from fewer than 100 individuals in the to over 1,000 today. In , dedicated protections for the northern subspecies have supported recovery through enhanced patrolling and wetland preservation. Similarly, has seen augmentation programs since 2014, boosting the eastern subspecies from critically low numbers. Reintroduction initiatives have aimed to diversify populations and reduce extinction risks, exemplified by the translocation of 98 hard-ground Barasingha from to in phased efforts from 2015 to 2023, establishing a viable group now exceeding 120 individuals in a 40-hectare acclimatization enclosure before gradual release. These programs emphasize and habitat suitability to ensure long-term viability. Ongoing monitoring via camera traps, line transect surveys, and annual censuses in protected areas has revealed robust growth, with populations in key sites like Dudhwa exhibiting 15-20% annual increases as of 2025, rising from 3,691 in 2022 to 6,137 amid improved habitat conditions. Such data informs , tracking trends against threats like . International cooperation, particularly between and , supports transboundary efforts in the landscape, including around Bardia National Park and , to foster metapopulation connectivity and shared anti-poaching patrols for cross-border herds.

Captivity and cultural role

Breeding in zoos

The global captive population of the Barasingha (Rucervus duvaucelii) stood at approximately 559 individuals across 42 institutions worldwide as of 2017, with the majority held in zoos in , , and . In , 236 animals (61 males, 108 females, and 67 unsexed) were maintained in 16 zoos as of 2017, including significant herds at Zoo (73 individuals) and Zoo. These populations primarily consisted of the northern subspecies (R. d. duvaucelii), with a smaller number of the central Indian subspecies (R. d. branderi) at in . No comprehensive updates to these figures have been publicly available since the 2017 National Studbook. Captive breeding programs are coordinated through the National Studbook managed by India's (CZA), which uses pedigree records to ensure genetic viability and prevent inbreeding in ex-situ populations. In , Barasingha participate in the European Programme (EEP), a collaborative effort among zoos to maintain healthy breeding groups and support long-term conservation goals, including potential reintroductions. The Indian program traces all captive animals as of 2017 to just six wild founders, highlighting the importance of these initiatives in bolstering . Breeding successes in captivity contributed to steady up to 2017, with 439 births recorded across Indian zoos despite 238 deaths, demonstrating effective under controlled conditions. Regular reproduction helped stabilize numbers, particularly for the endangered , and supports broader species recovery by providing a genetic . However, challenges persist, including the lack of consistent individual identification and marking, which complicates tracking of parentage, life histories, and health metrics. Additionally, the risk of hybridization between in mixed holdings poses a threat to genetic purity. Husbandry protocols in zoos emphasize subspecies-specific , meticulous record-keeping, and monitoring to optimize breeding outcomes and overall welfare. These practices, including coordinated transfers between institutions, have been recommended since population viability analyses in the to enhance demographic and genetic across global collections.

Significance in culture and media

In Indian culture, the Barasingha, also known as the swamp deer, is revered as a symbol of grace, beauty, and the untamed , embodying the elegance of nature in local traditions and . It represents the between humans and the natural world, with its striking antlers evoking tales of majesty and resilience in regional stories. Historically, the Barasingha was a prized target for hunters, particularly during the British colonial era when unregulated sport decimated populations across its range. Accounts from the 19th and early 20th centuries describe it as a sought-after , contributing significantly to its near-extinction in many areas due to loss and excessive pursuit. Tribal communities also hunted the using traditional methods, as noted in colonial records of indigenous practices. In modern media, the Barasingha features prominently in documentaries that spotlight India's conservation triumphs, such as the film Barasingha: The Soul of Kanha, produced by the Tiger Foundation Society, which chronicles its recovery in Kanha National Park. It has also appeared in international coverage, including reports on Indian wildlife reserves, highlighting its role in ecosystem restoration. As a conservation , the Barasingha symbolizes successful efforts to preserve grasslands and wetlands, particularly in where its population rebounded from fewer than 100 individuals in the 1970s to over 2,000 as of 2024. It serves as the official mascot "Bhoorsingh the Barasingha" for Kanha , the first such designation for an Indian tiger reserve, and is central to state-wide campaigns promoting protection and eco-tourism.

References

  1. https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/4257/22167675
  2. https://wwfasia.awsassets.panda.org/downloads/swamp_deer.pdf
  3. https://animalia.bio/barasingha
  4. https://conservationmag.org/en/wildlife/swamp-deer-at-risk-how-saving-grasslands-can-rescue-the-barasingha
  5. https://www.itis.gov/servlet/SingleRpt/SingleRpt?search_topic=TSN&search_value=898209
  6. https://www.mammalsofindia.org/rucervus-duvaucelii
  7. https://ntca.gov.in/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Status-of-Ungulates-1.pdf
  8. https://www.newindianexpress.com/good-news/2024/Feb/25/madhya-pradeshs-barasingha-and-gaur-populations-soar-thanks-to-conservation-efforts
  9. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bareilly/dtr-ptr-mark-record-increase-in-swamp-deer-population/articleshow/119387001.cms
  10. https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Rucervus_duvaucelii/
  11. https://www.biome-project.co.uk/post/barasingha-the-elusive-swamp-deer-of-india
  12. https://www.pugdundeesafaris.com/blog/barasingha/
  13. https://www.zoodelahautetouche.fr/en/especes/barasingha-2559
  14. https://www.mammaldiversity.org/taxon/1006319/
  15. https://www.threatenedtaxa.org/index.php/JoTT/article/view/7670
  16. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27782757/
  17. https://wildlifenavigator.com/swamp-deer/
  18. https://www.ultimateungulate.com/Artiodactyla/Rucervus_duvaucelii.html
  19. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/352477750_Barasingha_Swamp_Deer
  20. https://www.researchgate.net/figure/Past-and-present-distribution-of-Barasingha-adapted-from-Martin-1977_fig1_282184258
  21. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S240584402303846X
  22. https://www.researchgate.net/figure/Map-showing-past-and-present-distribution-range-of-swamp-deer_fig1_289830450
  23. https://threatenedtaxa.org/index.php/JoTT/article/view/7670
  24. https://www.iasgyan.in/daily-current-affairs/swamp-deer
  25. https://www.newindianexpress.com/xplore/2025/Jul/11/remarkable-recovery-manas-national-park-shows-the-way
  26. https://www.wti.org.in/news/birth-of-fawn-marks-new-beginning-for-eastern-swamp-deer-translocated-under-2nd-phase-of-wti-ongc-project/
  27. https://www.satpuratigerreserve.org/barasingha-reintroduction
  28. https://indianmasterminds.com/feature-stories-on-bureaucrats-changemakers/beyond-headlines/the-hard-ground-barasingha-finds-a-second-home-in-satpura-tiger-reserve/
  29. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1155/2013/278213
  30. https://www.ijiras.com/2020/Vol_7-Issue_4/paper_11.pdf
  31. http://www.ultimateungulate.com/Artiodactyla/Rucervus_duvaucelii.html
  32. https://tehelka.com/how-barasinghas-have-bounced-back-in-kanha/
  33. https://ddindia.co.in/2023/10/swamp-deer-population-sees-a-rise-at-manas-tiger-reserve-number-jumps-to-174/
  34. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/326692646_Current_distribution_and_status_of_swamp_deer_Rucervus_duvaucelii_duvaucelii_in_the_upper_Gangetic_plains_of_north_India
  35. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/394610295_Reinforcement_of_Eastern_Swamp_Deer_Rucervus_Duvaucelii_Ranjitsinhi_Groves_1982_Post-Translocation_Population_Characteristics_and_Conservation_Implications_in_Manas_National_Park_Assam_India
  36. https://news.mongabay.com/2023/07/translocation-hurdles-prompt-new-efforts-to-save-rare-swamp-deer-in-nepal/
  37. https://kathmandupost.com/sudurpaschim-province/2024/02/15/shuklaphanta-national-park-ramps-up-grassland-management-to-preserve-swamp-deer-habitat
  38. https://content.dgft.gov.in/Website/append1_0.pdf
  39. https://cites.org/eng/taxonomy/term/387
  40. https://indianmasterminds.com/features/beyond-headlines/the-hard-ground-barasingha-finds-a-second-home-in-satpura-tiger-reserve/
  41. https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/lucknow-news/leopards-thrive-in-dudhwa-population-soars-198-101751743751935.html
  42. https://cza.nic.in/uploads/documents/studbooks/hindi/nsSwamp%20Deer.pdf
  43. https://zoo.gdansk.pl/en/animals/barasingha/
  44. https://www.diy.org/article/barasingha
  45. https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=790571451430065&id=471291036691443&set=a.474109016409645
  46. http://thelastwilderness.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/History-of-Hunting-in-the-Indian-Subcontinent-Kavya-Chimalgi.pdf
  47. https://indianminiatures.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Ladies-Who-Hunt-June-21.pdf
  48. http://publications.anveshanaindia.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/HISTORY-OF-WILDLIFE-HUNTING-PRACTICES-IN-INDIA.pdf
  49. https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLoR_KeMqgNFxKE52Mygltugfm6L11PeJd
  50. https://www.bbc.com/travel/article/20150714-where-the-jungle-book-comes-to-life
  51. https://kanhatigerreserve.org/barasingha-conservation
  52. https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/meet-bhoorsingh-the-barasingha-kanha-tiger-reserve-becomes-first-in-india-get-official-mascot/story-sUNrcno629AeTdmnQWIo8M.html
  53. https://www.facebook.com/MPTourism/posts/step-into-the-heart-of-madhya-pradesh-where-the-playful-barasinghas-awaitmeet-bh/957949163036316/
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