New Delhi, July 20 -- The Gujarat Forest Department has relocated 50 spotted deer from the Sasan Gir Wildlife Division to the Mandvi forest range in Surat district as part of a wildlife management programme aimed at strengthening biodiversity, improving the prey base for carnivores and reducing human-wildlife conflict in South Gujarat.

The translocation was carried out in three phases between May and June this year. According to the state government, 21 spotted deer were released on May 23, followed by 16 on June 18 and another 13 on June 24, taking the total number relocated to 50. Officials said the exercise forms part of a long-term conservation strategy focused on restoring ecological balance through science-based wildlife management...