Consider the following statements regarding Swamp deer : 1. It is found only in the Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve in Assam. 2. It possesses the unique characteristic among deer of shedding its antlers annually. Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct ?

The correct answer is option 4. In News News on Air: Swamp Deer population sees a rise at Manas Tiger Reserve; number jumps to 174. Key Points Swamp deer : Swamp deer (Rucervus duvaucelii) is not found only in the Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve in Assam. It is distributed in the Indian subcontinent, and has three subspecies: the western swamp deer (Rucervus duvaucelii duvaucelii) found in Nepal, the southern swamp deer or hard ground barasingha (Rucervus duvaucelii branderi) found in central and north India, and the eastern swamp deer (Rucervus duvaucelii ranjitsinhi) found in Assam and Uttar Pradesh. Kaziranga National Park is one of the habitats of the eastern swamp deer, but not the only one . Hence, statement 1 is incorrect. The other habitats include Manas National Park, Orang National Park, and Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary in Assam, and Dudhwa National Park in Uttar Pradesh etc. Swamp deer does not possess the unique characteristic among deer of shedding its antlers annually. In fact, most deer species shed their antlers every year as part of their natural cycle of growth and regeneration. The antlers are composed of bone tissue that grows from the skull and are covered by a layer of skin called velvet. The velvet supplies blood and nutrients to the growing antlers. When the antlers reach their full size, the velvet dries up and falls off, exposing the hard bone. The antlers are then used for display and fighting during the mating season. After the mating season, the antlers are shed and new ones start to grow. Hence, statement 2 is incorrect. ​ Additional Information Scientific name: Rucervus duvaucelii. Common name: Swamp Deer or Barasingha. Geographic distribution: They are native to the Indian subcontinent and are mostly found in northern and central India, particularly in Uttar Pradesh, Assam, and Madhya Pradesh. Habitat Preference: They prefer tall grasslands and open habitats, and they live near water bodies. Conservation status: IUCN Red List has classified them as Vulnerable. They are also listed under Schedule – I of the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. Characteristic features: Its name 'Barasingha' translates to '12-tined', reflecting a characteristic feature of mature stags which often have more than 12 tines on their antlers (although they can have up to 20). Population and Threats: Their numbers have been declining due to habitat loss, poaching, anthropogenic disturbances, and diseases. A significant conservation effort is happening in Kanha National Park where the subspecies Rucervus duvaucelii branderi is being protected. Key Conservation Efforts : Major reserves protecting Barasingha include Kanha National Park, Dudhwa National Park, and Kaziranga National Park. Project Tiger also positively aids swamp deer conservation, as their habitats often overlap. Diet: As a herbivore, it eats a large array of plant species, including grasses, herbs, aquatic plants, and fruits. Breeding: They have seasonal breeding patterns with mating generally occurring in late autumn to early winter. Cultural significance: They appear in various forms of Indian art, including coinage, sculpture, and folk narratives, and have been an integral part of Indian culture and mythology.