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Barasingha
Barasingha
The Barasingha or Swamp Deer, is an endangered species of deer, and can
be seen in protected sanctuaries in India. They derive their name from the
large antlers of the adult male Barasingha, which may grow to have more
than 12 points, hence the translation of its name in Hindi, 12- antlered
Deer.
Zoological name: Cervus duvauceli
Range: The Barasingha was previously seen across most of North
and central India in areas of moist forest and swampland. With the destructions
of its habitat, the Barasingha is now seen in isolated protected forests
in Uttar Pradesh, Assam and Madhya Pradesh.
Estimated population: It is estimated that there are less than
5000 Barasingha worldwide. There are three sub species of Barasingha found
in India.
Physical characteristics: The Barasingha is a medium sized deer.
It can grow to a height of 130 cm and weigh up to 180 Kg. The Barasingha
has a dense brown coat that keeps it warm and dry in its moist habitat.
The coat of the male Barasingha becomes darker in color during the mating
season. The antlers of an adult male Barasingha can grow up to 75cm long
and can have more than 12 points. Habitat: The Barasingha prefers tall
grass and reed beds near rivers. Marshes or swampland is a Barasingha's
preferred territory. The Barasingha is found in forested areas in the
Gangetic and Brahmaputra basins in India.
Diet: Barasingha are herbivores. They feed mainly on grass and
leaves. The wetland subspecies of Barasingha also eats aquatic plants.
They make several trips in a day to water holes or riverbanks to drink.
Behavior: Barasingha are active and graze during both the day
and the night. Barasingha are usually seen in herds that vary in size
depending on the time of year. Herds usually consist of 10 - 20 members.
During the breeding season they form larger breeding herds of 30 - 60
deer. Male Barasingha fight to establish control over a herd of female
deer. During the rest of the year adult male Barasingha are often solitary.