Musk deer spotted in Lahaul valley

Dipender Manta

Tribune News Service

Mandi, December 16

After the sighting of a serow, a rare species of wildlife in the Spiti valley, now a Himalayan musk deer has been spotted in the Lahaul valley. Photographer Inderjeet of Rashel village had captured the musk deer in his camera two days ago and later informed the Forest Department.

Officials in Lahaul-Spiti got into action to ensure the safety of the rare species. The musk deer count was increasing in Lahaul-Spiti and they were spotted by villagers and forest officials over the past few years regularly during the winter.

Musk deer were on the verge of extinction in Lahaul-Spiti, but after the intervention of local Mahila Mandals, their count is on the rise. In 2012, the mandals banned hunting and decided to impose a fine on offenders and boycott them socially.

It curtailed the hunting in the valley at large. As a result, the count of ibex, a species of wild goat, which was also on the verge of extinction, is increasing rapidly. The movement of ibex can be noticed in Lahaul easily during winters.

Divisional Forest Officer, Keylong, Dinesh Sharma said Inderjeet had captured the movement of the musk deer in his camera.

“Under the wildlife Act, no one is allowed to disclose the exact location of such rare species, which may pose a threat to them. During the winter, animals reach lower regions because of heavy snowfall in higher areas. During winters, poachers get active to kill animals,” he added.

The DFO said, “For the protection of wildlife, adequate staff have been deployedfor patrolling to check the hunting. The cooperation of Mahila Mandals is also commendable.