~Gujarat Forest Department releases 50 spotted deer in Surat’s Mandvi Forest Range to strengthen biodiversity, improve the prey base for carnivores, and reduce human-wildlife conflict.
Gandhinagar, Gujarat, July 19 (VNI): In a major wildlife conservation initiative, the Gujarat Forest Department has translocated 50 spotted deer (Axis axis) from the Sasan Gir Wildlife Division to the Mandvi Forest Range in Surat district to strengthen biodiversity, improve the natural prey base for carnivores, and help reduce human-wildlife conflict in South Gujarat.
The translocation was carried out in three phases between May and June this year. A total of 21 spotted deer were released on May 23, followed by 16 on June 18 and 13 on June 24. The initiative aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of balancing wildlife conservation with development and promoting harmonious coexistence between humans and wildlife.
Forest and Environment Minister Arjun Modhwadia said that under the guidance of Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, the Gujarat Forest Department is implementing science-based conservation measures to restore ecological balance. He said strengthening the natural prey base in forest habitats is a key strategy under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, to reduce human-wildlife conflict. Minister of State for Forests and Environment Pravin Mali noted that a healthy prey base enables predators to meet their food requirements within forests, reducing their movement into human-dominated areas.
Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife) and Chief Wildlife Warden Jaipal Singh said the initiative builds on conservation efforts already underway in the Mandvi Forest Range, including the establishment of spotted deer and jungle fowl breeding centres. Conservator of Forests, Surat Circle Puneet Nayyar said a dedicated Quick Response Team equipped with modern rescue equipment has also been deployed to handle wildlife emergencies and ensure the safety of both people and animals.
Before the translocation, the Forest Department conducted detailed habitat assessments and developed 10 permanent water points to ensure year-round water availability for the released deer. The department has also launched an intensive post-release monitoring programme, with forest guards, trained trackers, and strategically placed camera traps monitoring the deer’s movement, habitat use, health, and survival. Officials said the initiative will strengthen the ecological resilience of the Surat Forest Division while promoting biodiversity conservation and long-term mitigation of human-wildlife conflict. VNI NEWS, Gujarat Forest Department, Spotted Deer, Surat, Mandvi Forest Range, Biodiversity, Human Wildlife Conflict, Sasan Gir, Gujarat, Surat, Forest Department, Wildlife Conservation, Biodiversity, Bhupendra Patel, Arjun Modhwadia,VNINews, VNINews.com