Musk Deer – Is it still the state animal of Uttarakhand??

The most primeval animal among the deer family, Kasturi Mrig is the state animal of Uttarakhand. Kasturi Mrig is also known as Musk Deer (Moschus Chrysogaster). It possesses a special musk gland under the tail. This gland consists of very expensive scented fluid known as ‘Kasturi’. Kasturi is used in making perfumes and it is also used in approximately 150 Ayurvedic and allopathic medicines. Musk Deer is a very shy animal found at an altitude range of 2300mts – 4300mts above sea level. It inhabits in the dense forests of Deodar and Fir trees.

It is sad than Kasturi Mrig is on the road to extinction. Indian Wildlife board included Kasturi Mrig in the list of endangered animal in the year 1952. Efforts were made to save this beautiful animal with Wildlife Preservation Act in year 1972. Kedarnath Musk deer sanctuary was established in the Kedarnath region in Rudraprayag district to protect the animal and forest. Kedarnath Sanctuary is spread over an area of 967.2 sqkms in the Panch Kedar belt. Government of India has established 4 Musk Deer Sanctuary with Wildlife Protection Act in order to stop the hunting of Musk Deer. But it is sad to say that hunting still persists.

Musk deer are vulnerable and left in very limited number. The Kasturi of Musk Deer gives out aroma which stays for a long time. The perfume that comes from the musk glands of the Musk Deer was first extracted by The Arabs.

Hunting and poaching are the only reasons for the decrease in numbers of Musk Deer in Uttarakhand. Innocent Musk Deer are still hunted and killed for the expensive Musk Glands. In this operation female musk deer are also killed for no reason, as they don’t have musk glands, only male Musk Deer possess them. It is hard to distinguish between female and male Musk Deer.

Musk Gland originates after the age of one year, which means that the life of Musk Deer is safe only till one year. Many people don’t know that Kasturi is costlier than gold. On an average musk gland weighs 25-50grams, depending on the age, size and health of Kasturi Mrig.

On my recent visit to Panch Kedar belt of Uttarakhand state, I came to know that poaching of Kasturi Mrig still persists. One of the villagers told me that everything is connected there and everyone is involved. No one gives attention towards this severe problem where extinction of our state animal lies on the edge. The state animal of Uttarakhand, Kasturi Mrig is in much worse condition than the tigers in India. Tigers in India are in thousands but Kasturi Mrigs in Uttarakhand are not even left in hundreds. Along with the extinction of Kasturi Mrig the pride of Uttaranchal also lies at stakes.

Features of Kasturi Mrig

·         Body Length: 2.6 - 3.4 feet

·         Shoulder Height : 19 - 22 inches

·         Weight: 11 - 19 kgs

·         Gestation Period: 185 – 195 days

·         Mating Season: December, January

·         Life Span: 12 - 20 years

·         Tail Length: 1.6 - 2.6 inches

·         Diet - Grasses, moss, lichens, twigs, shoots, leaves, etc.