Factors influencing seasonal changes in the herd size and composition of swamp deer in Jhilmil Jheel Conservation Reserve, Haridwar, Uttarakhand, India

Abstract

A small population of swamp deer (320 in number) was recently rediscovered in Uttarakhand state (in 2005) at Jhilmil Jheel (Sinha et al. 2006). Seasonal variation in herd size and composition of vulnerable swamp deer (Rucervus duvaucelii duvaucelii) were studied in this area using scan sampling technique. Largest herds (13) and highest male to female ratio (145:100) were observed during summer when deer congregate. Smallest herds were reported in monsoon due to poor sighting in dense vegetation cover. In monsoon, pregnant adult females observed to separate from the herds. The fawn to female ratio was highest in winters (59:100), as fawns were big enough to follow the mothers. It was concluded that the population structure variables are therefore most suitable tools to assess impact of habitat changes on swamp deer populations.