Feral dogs put endangered Himalayan Musk Deer and Tsomgo biodiversity at risk

GANGTOK,: An endangered Himalayan Musk Deer was rescued from Tsomgo Lake area after it was found injured, allegedly while being chased by feral dogs.

The rescued sub-adult female Himalayan Musk Deer (Moschus leucogaster), a Schedule I species under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, and listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List, was spotted at around 10 am during routine field sampling by researchers from Sikkim University working under the National Mission on Himalayan Studies (NMHS) High-Altitude Wetland Project, informs a press release.

The research team, comprising Phurba Yengee Sherpa, Karun Chhetri and Dorjee Tshering Lepcha, was conducting fieldwork under the guidance of Prof. Bhoj Kumar Acharya and Dr. Basundhara Chhetri when they noticed the distressed animal surrounded by several feral dogs barking aggressively.

The researchers immediately alerted the Forest Range Officer of Kyongnosla Range, following which the Forest department dispatched a rescue team. The injured musk deer was rescued and shifted for treatment and further assessment.

According to the research team, the incident reflects an increasing conservation concern in the Tsomgo Lake area, where feral dog populations have expanded significantly over the past two years. “This incident is not an isolated one. During the past two years of continuous field research in the Tsomgo Lake complex, the research team has repeatedly documented the increasing presence and activity of feral dogs. Previous observations include feral dogs chasing/killing Himalayan goral, Yellow-throated marten, Ruddy Shelducks, and disturbing wildlife across the wetland complex. The increasing population of feral dogs around Tsomgo Lake complex poses a serious threat to the area's fragile biodiversity.”

The growing population of feral dogs has been attributed to easy access to artificial food sources, including improperly managed waste, enabling the animals to thrive and gradually move deeper into natural habitats.

They warned that unless long-term measures are taken, the increasing presence of feral dogs could have lasting impacts on wildlife populations in the Tsomgo Lake area.

“If this trend continues, there will be long-term consequences on wildlife population of the Tsomgo Lake complex which could severely jeopardise threatened and vulnerable Himalayan species such as Musk Deer. While prompt and coordinated response might rescue the animal from immediate danger, the long-term solution plan is urgently required through systematic research and discussion with various stakeholders.”