Barasingha

(Cervus duvaucelii)


Facts

Barasingha IUCN VULNERABLE (VU)

 

Facts about this animal

The barasingha is a long-legged, long-bodied, medium sized deer with large, scythe shaped antlers and large, spreadable hooves. The head-body length is about 180 cm, the height at the shoulder is 115-125 cm. The antlers grow up to a length of 104 cm. The weight is 230-283 kg for an adult male, females are smaller and lighter.

 

The ears are medium-sized, wide but pointed and well-haired on the inner surface. The coat is moderately fine and often woolly in texture. The neck of the male is maned. The summer coat is often with pale spots. Males are reddish brown, females yellowish brown, and they both have a dark dorsal line. The winter coat is darker brown, shading to yellowish brown on the lower parts.

Did you know?
that the causes of the barasingha's decline and present threats include destruction or modification of its habitat for wetland reclamation, grass and timber cutting, illegal gathering of fuelwood and other resources in reserves, and cultivation or tree plantations; poaching; and shooting for (allegedly) crop protection? Diseases introduced by cattle may also have been a factor.


 

Factsheet
Class MAMMALIA
Order ARTIODACTYLA
Suborder RUMINANTIA
Family CERVIDAE
Name (Scientific) Cervus duvaucelii
Name (English) Barasingha
Name (French) Barasinga
Name (German) Barasinga, Zackenhirsch
Name (Spanish) Barasinga
CITES Status Appendix I
CMS Status Not listed

 

 

Photo Copyright by
Franco Atirador

Distribution

 


Distribution
Range India, Nepal
Habitat Marshy grasslands, floodplains and meadows
Wild population Approx.: 5'000 (1998)
Zoo population 290 reported to ISIS (2005)

In the Zoo

Barasingha

 

How this animal should be transported

Hard antlers should be removed before transport under proper restraint and, where required, sedation. No deer with antlers in velvet at a stage of growth which could be damaged easily should be transported where there is a risk of injury.

For air transport, Container Note 73 of the IATA Live Animals Regulations, should be followed.

 

Find this animal on ZooLex

 

Photo Copyright by
Altaipanther

Why do zoos keep this animal

The barasigha is a vulnerable species with the populations of all three subspecies being in the order of only 5'000 animals. With a view of maintaining a long-term viable ex situ reserve population, an International Studbook was established in 1983 with a regional breeding programme being run by AZA.