Authorities mull relocating spotted deer from park

Close on the heels of death of 31 deer at the Millennium Park at Kailasapuram township in the outskirts of Tiruchi, the Forest Department has begun consultation process on possibilities for relocating the remaining spotted deer.

Unlike other wild animals like elephants, panthers, and bison, for which the Forest Department has many methods to send them back into forest, relocation of deer from captivity to reserve forest area has been a challenge considering the sensitive nature of the animal.

Citing the practical difficulties in live capture of deer and logistics issues, the Forest Department had turned down the pleas of the Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) to relocate the entire population of spotted deer, numbering around 230 to 240 from its Millennium Park.

According to informed sources, with the death of 31 deer at the park a few days ago reportedly due to consumption of toxic leaves of a tree, the civil department of the BHEL, which maintains the park, has once again written to the Forest Department seeking its immediate intervention to relocate the remaining deer.

Though the Forest Department is yet to take a final call on the request, a senior official of the department told The Hindu that it was exploring all options for relocation of deer. It had sought the assistance of forest veterinarians and biologists.

“Live capture and relocation of deer even over short distances are not easy. Deer have a high rate of capture related mortality. Our concern is ensuring the safety of deer. But, we are willing to consider the request,” said an official.

Trapping deer requires the expertise of professional wildlife biologists and opinion of wildlife veterinarians have been sought on relocation of deer, he said and added that based on their opinion, a decision would be taken shortly.


Live capture and relocation of deer even over short distances are not easy. Deer have a high rate of capture related mortality

Official

Forest Department

Source