Gujarat : 12 spotted deer return to wild at Vansda National Park

Vansda | Gujarat — As the morning sun filtered through the dense green canopy of Vansda National Park, a quiet yet powerful moment unfolded—twelve spotted deer stepped back into the wild, marking not just a release, but a return to nature’s embrace. Their cautious movements, alert eyes, and tentative first steps symbolised hope for Gujarat’s forests and the delicate balance of life they sustain.

The deer were successfully soft-released into a specially prepared enclosure after undergoing thorough health check-ups and following strict scientific protocols, officials said. The release was carried out jointly by Nature Club Surat and the Gujarat Forest Department, reinforcing a long-term commitment to wildlife conservation.

With this release, the total number of spotted deer rehabilitated and released into forest areas through the Deer Breeding Centre initiative has now reached 80, a milestone that conservationists describe as critical for restoring ecological balance.

“The goal is not just to release animals, but to rebuild an ecosystem,” said Antika Tiwari, Range Forest Officer, present during the programme. “A stable population of herbivores like spotted deer ensures natural prey availability for carnivores, which directly helps reduce human–leopard conflict in nearby villages.”

Experts explain that when prey species decline, leopards often stray into human settlements in search of food, leading to conflict. By strengthening herbivore populations within forests, predators remain within their natural habitats.

Nature Club Surat President Snehal Patel called the release an emotional and meaningful moment. “Every deer released is a step toward healing the forest. Conservation is not about controlling nature—it is about giving it space to recover,” he said.

Alongside the release, awareness programmes are being conducted in surrounding villages and schools. Volunteers are educating local communities about the importance of protecting herbivores and avoiding hunting, stressing that safeguarding prey species ultimately protects people as well.

“When villagers understand that saving deer also keeps leopards away from homes, conservation becomes a shared responsibility,” Patel added.

Forest officials, including Forester Meenaben S. Dhoom, the Beat Guard team, and other department staff, actively participated in the programme, ensuring smooth coordination and safety for the animals.

The initiative is being generously supported by Ather Industries, whose contribution has helped sustain the breeding centre and awareness efforts.

Officials said similar releases and education drives will continue in the future. “Wildlife conservation is not a one-day event,” an officer noted. “It is a continuous journey of coexistence.”