Climate change puts Myagdi musk deer in danger

MYAGDI, Nov 24: Increasing temperature and human activities have not spared the musk deer found in mountainous areas of Myagdi district--the small deer with a stocky build have been fleeing to other areas leaving their habitats. [break]



Earlier, must deer were found in abundance at Mudi, Lulang, Gurja, Kuimenga, Dana and Muna VDCs situated on the foothill of Mount Dhaulagiri.



Wildlife expert Dr Mukesh Kumar Chalise said adverse climatic condition and lack of food resulted in by climate change and increasing temperature has forced the musk deer, who love isolated environment, to cool areas.



According to local residents, the endangered deer have been migrating to Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve and jungles in Dolpa, Rukum and Mustang.



The musk deer previously seen in Mudi jungle can be spotted lately in and around the Dhaulagiri Base Camp, said a local teacher, Dirgha Bahadur Khatri.



Apart from musk deer, mountain goat, deer and ghoral earlier found in forests of Gurja, Lulang, Muna, Mudi, Chimkhola and Dana have left the jungles.



Forest officer Purneshwor Subedi said these wildlife creatures have also migrated to other areas in wake of increasing human encroachment on forests.



Considering both the cases, we can surmise that existence of wildlife found in high hilly areas is at risk, said Dr Chalise.

Related story

Myagdi's musk deer in search of suitable habitat