India, July 20 -- The Gujarat Forest Department has released 50 spotted deer in the Mandvi forest range of Surat district as part of a wildlife conservation initiative aimed at strengthening the natural prey base for carnivores, improving biodiversity and reducing human-wildlife conflict in South Gujarat.

The translocation was carried out in three phases between May and June. According to the state government, 21 spotted deer were released on May 23, followed by 16 on June 18 and 13 on June 24. The animals were relocated from the Sasan Gir Wildlife Division under provisions of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.

The state government said the initiative is aligned with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's emphasis on balancing development wit...