In a first-of-its-kind exercise, 20 spotted deer translocated from Vantara to Banni grasslands

The release took place in a designated 70-hectare protected area within Banni, one of the largest grassland ecosystems in Asia.

The deer were brought from Vantara’s ex-situ conservation facility in Jamnagar and transported in specially designed ambulances under the supervision of forest officials.
Vantara provided technical and logistical support for the operation, ensuring it followed established conservation protocols, a release from Reliance Industries Limited (RIL) said.

Chief Conservator of Forests (CCF) Dr Sandeep Kumar told The Indian Express that there are nearly 160 blackbucks and spotted deer in Banni grasslands.

This move, to release the deer into Banni grasslands, is part of a larger state-backed effort aimed at supporting the state’s broader conservation roadmap, according to the press release.

Ahead of the exercise on Tuesday, a joint assessment of the site was conducted by teams from the Gujarat forest department and Vantara, including forest officials, Vantara’s wildlife biologists and veterinarians. The review was conducted to evaluate the habitat’s suitability and identify key ecological measures for future species restoration efforts, the press release stated.

The RIL statement, quoting Dr Brij Kishor Gupta, Director of the Greens Zoological, Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre, or Vantara, said, “This initiative reflects a collaborative approach to conservation where scientific expertise and logistical support are combined to strengthen biodiversity in the Banni grasslands. Contributing to government-led efforts, the focus remains on achieving meaningful conservation outcomes through partnerships grounded in shared objectives.”

Banni spans over 2,600 square kilometers in the Kutch district and is home to 12 species of mammals, including the Indian gazelle, Indian wolf, golden jackal, Nilgai, striped hyena, and Indian fox.
The Gujarat forest department has been actively involved in restoring degraded areas, controlling invasive species, and encouraging the growth of native grass to sustain local wildlife in Banni, according to the press release.

The grassland, which is a protected forest, is dotted by 52 villages and is also known for the Banni breed of buffaloes.

This release is one of several planned efforts aimed at strengthening wildlife populations and sustaining the fragile yet vital ecosystem of the Banni grasslands, the press note said.

Jay Jani is an intern with The Indian Express