Musk Deer

Musk Deer: Recently, the 2024 report titled Plant Breeding Programmes in Indian Zoos: Assessment and Strategic Actions by the Central Zoo Authority revealed that Indian zoos lack a conservation breeding programme for the endangered musk deer, despite its protection under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.

• Key Findings:

o Failed Past Efforts: Breeding initiatives since 1965, including the Himalayan Musk Project (1982), failed due to poor planning and infrastructure.

o Species Misidentification: Confusion between Himalayan and Alpine musk deer compromised breeding accuracy.

o No Founder Stock: India lacks the essential founder stock to initiate a sustainable breeding programme.

o Lack of State Coordination: Despite being Uttarakhand’s state animal, musk deer conservation is not prioritized.

o China has successfully implemented a musk deer breeding program, using a non-lethal technique to extract musk from living animals.

• About the Himalayan Musk Deer (Moschus leucogaster): Native to the Himalayas, found in India, Nepal, Bhutan, Pakistan, and China, inhabiting alpine forests and scrublands.

o Behaviour: Solitary, nocturnal, and territorial. Males have curved canines and a musk gland, making them targets for poaching.

o Protection Status: Endangered (IUCN Red List) and under Schedule I of the WPA, 1972.