Another spotted deer found dead at UoH campus, second this week

The animal was found dead near the shooting range of the campus on 27 December.

"Two deer were chased by stray dogs towards the shooting range near the MH-A hostel. One of the deer tried to jump the wall to escape but hit the wall and injured its head. The other deer escaped into the wooded area of the campus," said Rohit Bondugula, a PhD scholar and wildlife activist.

Earlier on Tuesday morning, a male deer was found dead after it was attacked by feral dogs near the newly-constructed S.N school of the university. Also, In the first week of this month, a spotted deer was found dead near the tomato repository of the campus.

"Excessive deforestation in the campus has led to the loss of habitat. Loss of green cover is forcing animals to enter open areas. As a result, they are falling prey to feral dog attacks and poaching. The forest department and the university has failed to protect these animals," added Rohit.

The University of Hyderabad (UoH) is spread around 2300 acres and is home to several rare species of birds and wild animals like the spotted deer, wild boar, monitor lizard, peafowl, wild hares, mongoose, and Asian palm civet.

Rohit said that several wild animals have been found dead inside the university campus in recent times. "In the past few years, the university has witnessed a huge amount of deforestation activities. We lost a majority of the green cover and whatever little remains, we need to save it. Several animals are losing their lives because of it," said Rohit.

He also added that there is an urgent need to form a biodiversity committee comprising faculty members, students, and non-teaching staff. For all construction and expansion activities in the university, a layout plan of the site should be approved by the committee, he said.

Earlier also in a series of fire accidents, many wild animals believed to have perished in the campus.