No Female Musk Deer Left in India's Recognised Zoos, RTI Reveals, Raising Alarm for Uttarakhand's State Animal
An RTI reply shows India's recognised zoos hold only two captive Himalayan musk deer, both male, undermining breeding prospects for Uttarakhand's state animal.
Current Summary
A Right to Information reply has revealed that India's recognised zoos currently hold only two living captive Himalayan musk deer, both male, with no females, raising concerns about the species' future given Uttarakhand has designated it the state animal. The Central Zoo Authority's inventory, based on figures submitted by zoos as of September 2026, lists one male at Jammu Zoo and another at Himachal Pradesh's Himalayan Nature Park. The RTI disclosures also recorded two musk deer deaths in zoos over the past five years, both in Himachal Pradesh, with the CZA's reply not specifying causes. The Authority said no funds for musk deer breeding programmes were released or spent during the period covered by the request, and in a separate reply dated October 8 it said no funds had been specifically allocated or released to Uttarakhand for musk deer conservation or captive breeding between 2021-22 and 2026-27. Wildlife expert Amit Gupta said poaching for musk remains the primary threat, since the animal is killed to extract the substance. The RTI applicant had also sought details on any directives issued to Uttarakhand's Forest Department over breeding lapses at the Chopta Musk Deer Breeding Centre, which is not recognised by the CZA as a zoo.
What We Know
- India's recognised zoos hold only two living captive Himalayan musk deer, both male, as of September 2026 CZA data.
- Two musk deer deaths occurred in zoos over the past five years, both in Himachal Pradesh.
- No funds for musk deer breeding programmes were released nationally during the RTI period.
- No funds were specifically allocated to Uttarakhand for musk deer conservation or captive breeding between 2021-22 and 2026-27.
- Uttarakhand's Chopta Musk Deer Breeding Centre is not recognised by the Central Zoo Authority as a zoo.
What Is Still Unclear
- The causes of the two recorded musk deer deaths in Himachal Pradesh zoos.
- Whether any directives or show-cause notices have been issued to Uttarakhand's Forest Department over breeding programme lapses.
- Plans, if any, for sourcing female musk deer for captive breeding.
What Changed
- 14 Oct, 04:01 pmSignal detected: No Female Musk Deer Left in India's Recognised Zoos, RTI Reveals, Raising Alarm for Uttarakhand's State Animal
Background
The alpine musk deer is Uttarakhand's state animal. It is hunted for musk, a glandular secretion used in perfumery and traditional medicine, which has driven its population decline across the Himalayas.