In a novel and unique initiative attempted anywhere in the country, the Telangana State Forest Department has re-introduced the endangered ‘mouse deer’ into the forests of Nallamalla in Amrabad Tiger Reserve.

• The release of these mouse deer into the protected enclosure of 2.4 hectares is aimed at improving the biodiversity.
• The Amrabad Tiger Reserve was chosen because these animals were earlier wandering in this area.
• The deer will gradually be weaned-off externally supplied food. Afterwards if they get a clearing by the field biologists, they will be released from their enclosure into the wild.

About Mouse deer:

• Mouse deer (also known as Spotted Chevrotain) is one of the endangered species.
• It looks like weird mash-up of a deer, mouse and pig.
• It is not considered true deer, but shares suborder with deer (Ruminantia).
• It has its own family called Tragulidae. It is
• Because of their small size they are smallest ungulates (large mammals) in the world.
• It is found in deciduous and evergreen forests throughout India.
• Also called “Jarini Pandi” in Telugu, their number has been decreasing at an alarming rate in recent years because of destruction of habitat and poaching.

Source:TH