Gujarat Shifts 50 Spotted Deer to Surat to Boost Wildlife Conservation

GANDHINAGAR : In a significant step towards strengthening wildlife conservation and reducing human-wildlife conflict, the Gujarat Forest Department has relocated 50 spotted deer (Axis axis) from the Sasan Gir Wildlife Division to the Mandvi Forest Range in Surat district. The initiative aims to improve the natural prey base for carnivores, enhance biodiversity and restore ecological balance across South Gujarat.

The translocation was completed in three phases between May and June. The Forest Department released 21 spotted deer on May 23, followed by 16 on June 18 and 13 on June 24, taking the total number of relocated animals to 50.

The initiative aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision that conservation and development should progress together while ensuring the well-being of both wildlife and people.

Gujarat Forest and Environment Minister Arjun Modhwadia said the state government is implementing scientific conservation measures under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel.

“Strengthening the natural prey base is an important part of our long-term strategy to restore ecological balance and reduce human-wildlife conflict. This translocation has been carried out under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972,” Modhwadia said.

Minister of State for Forests and Environment Pravin Mali said a stronger prey base allows predators to find sufficient food within forest habitats.

“When predators have adequate natural prey inside forests, they are less likely to move into villages and farmlands. This helps reduce human-wildlife conflict,” Mali said.

The project builds on several conservation initiatives already underway in the Mandvi Forest Range. According to Jaipal Singh, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife) and Chief Wildlife Warden, the department has established a spotted deer breeding centre and a jungle fowl breeding centre to increase herbivore populations and improve biodiversity.

To ensure the survival of the relocated animals, forest officials conducted detailed habitat assessments before the release. The department also developed 10 permanent water points across the forest to provide a reliable source of drinking water throughout the year.

Puneet Nayyar, Conservator of Forests, Surat Circle, said the department has deployed a dedicated Quick Response Team (QRT) equipped with modern rescue equipment to respond to wildlife emergencies.

“Forest guards, trained trackers and camera traps are continuously monitoring the deer to study their movement, health, habitat use and survival after release,” Nayyar said.

Officials believe the spotted deer translocation will strengthen the ecological resilience of the Surat Forest Division.