Eastern Swamp Deer, also known as the Eastern Barasingha, is a subspecies of the barasingha deer that is found in the northeastern region of India, specifically in the states of Assam and Manipur. They are found in swampy and marshy areas, and are known for their impressive antlers, which can have up to 14 points.
Eastern Swamp Deer are herbivores and feed on a variety of aquatic plants, grasses, and leaves. They are important prey for tigers and other large predators.
Like other barasingha deer, Eastern Swamp Deer populations have declined significantly over the years due to habitat loss and hunting. However, conservation efforts have helped to stabilise their populations in some areas. The Kaziranga National Park in Assam, India, is one of the few places where the Eastern Swamp Deer can be found in significant numbers. Conservation efforts in this park include habitat restoration, anti-poaching measures, and reintroduction programs.
Despite these conservation efforts, Eastern Swamp Deer populations continue to face threats such as habitat loss and degradation due to human activities, and more needs to be done to ensure their long-term survival.
| Sl No. | Characteristics | Description |
| 1 | Common Name | Eastern Swamp deer |
| 2 | Scientific Name | R. d. branderi |
| 3 | Length | 1.5 to 1.8 metres |
| 4 | Colour | dark brown coat |
| 5 | Average weight | 100 to 200 kg |
| 6 | Food habits | grasses, leaves, and aquatic plants |
| 7 | Habitat | marshy areas, tall grasslands, and riverine forests |
| 8 | Any interesting facts about them | They are excellent swimmers and can swim long distances to find food or escape predators. |
Features
The Eastern Swamp deer, also known as the Eastern Barasingha, is a species of deer found in India, Nepal, and Bhutan. The Eastern Swamp deer has a dark brown coat, which is darker in males than in females. Male Eastern Swamp deer are larger than females. Males can grow up to 1.8 metres in length and weigh up to 200 kg, while females are smaller, growing up to 1.5 metres in length and weighing up to 100 kg. Male Eastern Swamp deer have large antlers that can grow up to 100 cm in length. The antlers are forked and can have up to 12 points. The Eastern Swamp deer is well adapted to living in swampy areas and marshes. They are excellent swimmers and can swim long distances to find food or escape predators.
Eastern Swamp deer are generally solitary animals, but they may form small groups during the breeding season. Males will use their antlers to fight each other for access to females during the breeding season.
Food Habits
The Eastern Swamp deer is a herbivorous species and feeds mainly on grasses, leaves, and aquatic plants. During the monsoon season, when the grasslands are flooded, they also consume the leaves of trees and shrubs. They are known to prefer certain grass species, such as Saccharum, Erianthus, and Imperata, and tend to avoid tougher and less nutritious grasses.
Habitats
The Eastern Swamp deer is a semi-aquatic species found in marshy areas, tall grasslands, and riverine forests. They prefer wetlands with tall grasses, reeds, and water bodies, as they require both water and dense vegetation for their survival.
The Eastern Swamp deer is found in the Indian subcontinent, primarily in the northeastern states of Assam and West Bengal. They are also found in other parts of India, including Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Bihar.
Vulnerable Species
Eastern Swamp deer (Eastern Barasingha) is listed as Critically Endangered species according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List. The primary threat to the Eastern Swamp deer is the loss and degradation of their habitat due to human activities such as agriculture, development, and deforestation. The deer are hunted for their antlers, meat, and hides. The deer face competition for food from domestic livestock, which grazes on the same grasslands. The Eastern Swamp deer population is fragmented, which can lead to inbreeding, reducing the genetic diversity of the population and making it more vulnerable to diseases and other threats. The Eastern Swamp deer population has been declining, and the current population is estimated to be around 1,500 individuals.
Protected Areas
Located in Assam, Kaziranga National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to the largest population of Eastern Swamp deer in the world. The park is also known for its population of Indian one-horned rhinoceroses.
Located in Assam, Manas National Park is another important habitat for Eastern Swamp deer. The park is also home to other threatened species such as the Bengal tiger and the Indian elephant.
