Estimating Hog deer Axis porcinus population in the riverine forest of Taunsa Barrage Wildlife Sanctuary, Punjab, Pakistan

The current study aimed at estimating the existing population status of hog deer in the Bela (riverine) forest of Taunsa Barrage Wildlife Sanctuary. The study area was divided into blocks where random line transects were laid to collect population data and to identify potential habitat of hog deer. In Bela forest, the habitat of hog deer comprises of a blend of Tamarix species with grass cover and scattered growth of Acacia, open grassy areas and water ponds. The results revealed that the estimated population of hog deer in the Taunsa Barrage Wildlife Sanctuary is 115. The core habitat, represented by Block 1 is the suitable habitat with a population of about 30 animals. The field investigation suggested that existing hog deer population is not evenly distributed throughout its historic range in Bela forest due to patchiness of its preferred habitat in the region and hence it is restricted only to Block 1. This study concludes that hog deer population is absent in areas of dense human population and agricultural areas whereas removal and cutting of grasslands inside protected area has resulted in fragmentation of population of this species. Considering the anthropogenic pressures and the natural processes, the long term viability of this small population of hog deer seems uncertain in this area. There is a need to carefully manage the hog deer population and require scientific management and immediate conservation measures.