Author: Subhamoy Bhattacharjee
As 2014 drew to a close, the Kaziranga and Manas National Parks in Northeast India were witness to some holiday season excitement of a different kind: a translocation project, unprecedented in India, involving the capture, transport and release of 19 eastern swamp deer from Kaziranga to Manas. This is a deconstruction of that pioneering operation.
The capture boma (enclosure) is constructed at Solmara Beel in the Central Range of Kaziranga National Park.
Photo: Rathin Barman.A team of experts from the Assam Forest Department and IFAW-WTI planned the capture project and renowned conservation and animal welfare biologist Markus Hofmeyr was flown in from South Africa to support the exercise.
Photo: Rathin Barman.Members of the translocation team convert ordinary trucks into customised animal transportation vehicles.
Photo: Subhamoy Bhattacharjee.These are then backed up to a funnel-like enclosure in a corner of the capture boma.
Photo: Subhamoy Bhattacharjee.The 19 eastern swamp deer that are to be translocated are captured.
Photo: Subhamoy Bhattacharjee.Using movable screens, the animals are gradually herded towards the funnel in two lots, and thence into the transportation vehicles.
Wildlife vets and biologists from WTI and the College of Veterinary Science, Guwahati, are in attendance through the entire operation.
Photo: Subhamoy Bhattacharjee.The deer are transported overnight from Kaziranga to Manas National Park via NH-37.
Photo: Subhamoy Bhattacharjee.The swamp deer are released into a corresponding specially prepared boma in Manas. The enclosure was earlier flooded and short grass from surrounding areas transplanted into it to ensure the herd's well-being. It is secured by a two-line power fence installed over a Bombax barrier to keep leopards at bay.Â
Photo: Subhamoy Bhattacharjee.The deer will be kept in the boma for a few months, then released into the park in batches. Some will remain in the enclosure longer to facilitate breeding.
Photo: Subhamoy Bhattacharjee.First appeared in: Sanctuary Asia, Vol. XXXV No. 1, February 2015.
