Which mammal is found only in Kanha and is also the official mascot of the Kanha Tiger Reserve?

 

Kanha has become the first tiger reserve in India to officially introduce a mascot — Bhoorsingh the Barasingha — to present the hard ground swamp deer as the spirit of the reserve and spread awareness to save it from possible extinction. Barasingha, or swamp deer, is the state animal of Madhya Pradesh. The Kanha tiger reserve, spread over Mandla and Balaghat districts, is the only place in the world where the species exists.  They used Barasingha as a Mascot due to create a unique identity for Kanha, which makes it look distinct and help in spreading awareness and allows the younger generation to connect with all wildlife. Kanha National park is the last home to the Hard-Ground Barasingha (Swamp Deer). From a population of around 3,000 in 1938, their population dwindled to a near-extinction level of just 66 in 1970. Their current population is in excess of 400.

The Barasingha is a medium sized deer. It can grow to a height of 130 cm and weigh up to 180 Kg. The Barasingha have a predominantly brown coat with yellowish undersides; males (stags) develop a reddish tinge in summer and juveniles (fawns) are mottled with white. The coat of the male Barasingha becomes darker in color during the mating season. The antlers of an adult male Barasingha can grow up to 75cm long and can have more than 12 points. The Barasingha prefers tall grass and reed beds near rivers. Marshes or swampland is a Barasingha’s preferred territory. The Barasingha is found in forested areas in the Gangetic and Brahmaputra basins in India.

 

Picture Credit : Google