Barasingha, Rucervus duvaucelii branderi, can be found in the marshlands of northern India where it can move with ease thanks to its hooves which are suited to walking on wet ground.
Profile
Mammalia, Cetartiodactyla, Cervidae
Rucervus
duvaucelii
branderi
20 years
1.20 m at the shoulder; 200 kg at the most
8 months, one baby
marshy plains
grasses, aquatic plants
India
VU, vulnerable
Way of life
The females, accompanied by their fawns, form herds which are headed by an alpha. The size of the herds depends on the season: they are larger during the dry season and disperse during the rainy season. The males, who are solitary, bellow like a donkey and, during the rut, compete to form harems of up to 30 females. In the event of danger, they emit shrill alarm calls.
Distinguishing features
Also known as the swamp deer, the Barasingha has a beautiful orangey fawn coat which turns grey-brown in the winter during the moulting period. Females tend to be paler than the males. Its broad hooves are suited to walking on wet and marshy ground. It can completely submerge itself in order to feed on aquatic plants.
Its antlers can measure up to 75 cm.
Anecdote
Its specific name was given to it by Cuvier to commemorate the French naturalist Alfred Duvaucel (1793-1824).
The Barasingha is in danger of extinction, particularly because of industrial development and drainage of wetlands, with populations being isolated from one another. It is also hunted if it is found to be destroying crops. It is now found almost exclusively in a handful of reserves. Those resident at Haute-Touche are part of the breeding groups for the breeding programme which is ultimately aimed at reintroduction.
