SRINAGAR: A rare and endangered species of Musk Deer was rescued alive from the Verinag forest belt in South Kashmir’s Anantnag district, according to wildlife officials on Wednesday.
A wildlife official informed that the Musk Deer, commonly known as ‘Roose Kat,’ was found roaming near Verinag Garden, after which it was captured alive by locals.
“The Kashmir Musk Deer (Moschus cupreus), classified as endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), will be transferred to Dachigam National Park, a wildlife sanctuary located on the outskirts of Srinagar,” the official stated.
The official explained that the Musk Deer is a species of top conservation priority, facing population decline due to poaching, habitat loss, and climate change. The animal is frequently hunted for its musk pod, which has made its survival increasingly difficult.
“It is a rare occurrence for this species to be found in the Verinag forests,” the official remarked.
“It was spotted by locals, who promptly informed us. We immediately dispatched a team and rescued the Musk Deer,” said Mushtaq Mir, wildlife in-charge in Dooru.
He added that the deer had sustained a minor injury, which was treated appropriately.(KNO)
