Population and conservation status of barking Deer (Muntiacus muntjac) in Pir Lasorha National park and other areas of district Kotli, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistan

To assess the current population and conservation status of barking deer (Muntiacus muntjac) in Pir Lasorha National Park (PLNP) and surrounding areas of District Kotli, a study was carried out from April to December, 2009. During the survey, direct (physical observations and signs) and indirect (information through questionnaires) methods were used to collect information about the population of barking deer. The study area was divided into three main localities (Choch, Pir Lasorha National Park (PLNP) and Tarkundi) and seven sub-localities. The study was conducted at dawn and dusk while day time was utilized for taking indirect data. A total population of 45 animals were estimated with the highest population in Choch (n=31), followed by PLNP (n=9) and Tarkundi (n=5). The overall population density was recorded as 2.14 animals/km2 with the highest density index recorded at sub-locality Salgran (3.8/km2) while the lowest density (1.13/km2) was recorded in PLNP. Although the area of PLNP has been declared as protected but nothing is being done for the conservation of wildlife including barking deer. Forest damage, hunting, pouching and over grazing by livestock were the major threats to the conservation of barking deer in the study area.