BHIMDUTTANAGAR: The monitoring of swamp deer has started in Shuklaphanta National Park of Kanchanpur district. Swamp deer is one of the rare wildlife species.

The census and monitoring of swamp deer in Shuklaphanta and neighbouring areas is being carried out with the joint initiative of park officials and stakeholder bodies. The monitoring and census had started from Monday.

Officiating Conservation Officer of the Shuklaphanta National Park Gopal Ghimire said, "The monitoring of its habitat and status, and taking census of the swamp deer is being conducted. This task will be carried out till Friday."

According to him, information regarding the new habitat and the overall situation of swamp deer would be available from the monitoring.

As per the previous record, the largest herd of swamp deer numbering 2,300 can be spotted in Shuklaphanta. Shuklaphanta, which is 24 kilometres away from the park office, is the most appropriate place for observing swamp deer.