How is the Barasingha being conserved?

[UngulateNerd92]

The Indian Swamp deer commonly known as the Barasingha (one with 12 tines in its antlers) is one of the most endangered mammal species in the world. Its Hindi name may not hold true since the number of tines in its antlers can range anywhere from 10 to 20 but its English name ‘Swamp deer’ holds true and refers to the swampy habitat that these deer species prefer to live in.

This alluring and iconic species was once found in most of the Indian subcontinent but now it has become endemic to India and Nepal. Three vulnerable sub species have been distinguished on the basis of morphological features.

• Northern Swamp deer (Nepal)

• Central Indian Swamp deer (Kanha National Park, Madhya Pradesh.)

• Eastern Swamp deer. (in North- east India and Uttar Pradesh.)

The Hard- ground Swamp deer has the smallest population of all the subspecies. They are relatively smaller in size, have long nasals, short snouts and more branched antlers and unlike other two subspecies, their hooves are adapted to hard and dry ground conditions. Free ranging population previously only existed in Kanha National Park. They are the state animal of Madhya Pradesh.
The winter coat is dark brownish in color whereas during the breeding season in monsoon, the coat becomes a soothing reddish golden brown.

How is the Barasingha being conserved?

 

[Pertinax]

The Indian Swamp deer commonly known as the Barasingha (one with 12 tines in its antlers) is one of the most endangered mammal species in the world. Its Hindi name may not hold true since the number of tines in its antlers can range anywhere from 10 to 20 but its English name ‘Swamp deer’ holds true and refers to the swampy habitat that these deer species prefer to live in.

This alluring and iconic species was once found in most of the Indian subcontinent but now it has become endemic to India and Nepal. Three vulnerable sub species have been distinguished on the basis of morphological features.

• Northern Swamp deer (Nepal)

• Central Indian Swamp deer (Kanha National Park, Madhya Pradesh.)

• Eastern Swamp deer. (in North- east India and Uttar Pradesh.)

The Hard- ground Swamp deer has the smallest population of all the subspecies. They are relatively smaller in size, have long nasals, short snouts and more branched antlers and unlike other two subspecies, their hooves are adapted to hard and dry ground conditions. Free ranging population previously only existed in Kanha National Park. They are the state animal of Madhya Pradesh.
The winter coat is dark brownish in color whereas during the breeding season in monsoon, the coat becomes a soothing reddish golden brown.

How is the Barasingha being conserved?

I don't think anywhere outside of India (or even inside India?) holds the Central Indian subspecies do they?

 

[UngulateNerd92]

I don't think anywhere outside of India (or even inside India?) holds the Central Indian subspecies do they?

Good question, not that I am aware of. It is possible that animals were kept in captivity in or outside of India historically, but I don't know for sure. On zootierliste, information on Barasingha subspecies (or full species depending on your preferred taxonomy) is limited. In North America, it seems like the current stock consists solely of animals belonging to the nominate. Regardless, I think each of the three Barasingha taxa needs to have a captive/Ex-Situ assurance population.