Critically endangered deer rescued from Chattogram’s Raozan

A critically endangered sambar deer was rescued from local poachers at a rubber garden in Raozan upazila of Chattogram and later released back into its natural habitat.

The incident took place on Friday afternoon at the Haludia Rubber Garden of Bangladesh Forest Industries Development Corporation (BFIDC).

The deer, a mid-aged member of a small herd, was slightly injured while reportedly being chased by poachers and remained under the care of the garden authorities for two days before being released this afternoon (18 January).

Haludia Rubber Garden Manager Rabiur Rahman told The Business Standard that a group of sambar deer had come to the garden area to drink water when local poachers attempted to capture them.

"One of the poachers managed to catch a mid-aged deer after chasing the herd. Getting information we rescued the animal from their possession immediately," he said.

He added that the deer sustained minor injuries and was kept under supervision, where it received basic treatment.

According to Rabiur, the Forest Department was informed about the rescue yesterday. Following consultations with the Wildlife Conservation Division, the authorities decided to release the deer back into the garden's natural environment.

"Based on their advice, the deer was released this afternoon," he said.

Dipannita Bhattacherjee, Chattogram wildlife and biodiversity conservation officer, told TBS that the decision was taken considering the animal's survival prospects.

"According to the garden authorities, a small herd of sambar deer lives in and around that rubber garden area. If the rescued deer were taken to a safari park, it would be isolated, which could significantly reduce its chances of survival," she said.