Kutch: In a significant step toward supporting wildlife diversity in  the Banni Grasslands, the Gujarat Forest Department undertook the planned introduction of  20 spotted deer into a designated 70-hectare protected area in collaboration with Vantara, a  leading wildlife rescue and conservation initiative founded by Anant Ambani, under whose  umbrella the Greens Zoological, Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre operates. This  collaborative initiative aimed to strengthen biodiversity in one of Asia’s largest grassland ecosystems, an official statement said today.

The deer, translocated from Vantara’s ex-situ conservation facility in Jamnagar, were transported to Kutch in specially designed ambulances. The release into the protected area  was carried out under the direct supervision and direction of the Forest Department, with  Vantara providing technical and logistical support to facilitate the process in accordance with  established conservation protocols.

In preparation for this, a joint field assessment was recently conducted by teams from the  Gujarat Forest Department and Vantara to evaluate the habitat’s suitability and identify key  ecological measures for future species restoration efforts. The collaborative review involved  forest officials, Vantara’s wildlife biologists and veterinarians, and was aimed at supporting  the state’s broader conservation roadmap.

Dr. Brij Kishor Gupta, Director of the Greens Zoological, Rescue and Rehabilitation  Centre, said: “This initiative reflects a collaborative approach to conservation, where scientific  expertise and logistical support are combined to strengthen biodiversity in the Banni  Grasslands. Contributing to government-led efforts, the focus remains on achieving  meaningful conservation outcomes through partnerships grounded in shared objectives.” 

The Banni Grasslands, covering 2,618 sq. km in Gujarat’s Kutch district, are among Asia’s  largest and most ecologically important grassland ecosystems. Surveys have recorded 12  species of mammals across the region, including six carnivores and two herbivores.  Prominent species include the Indian gazelle, Indian wolf, golden jackal, nilgai, striped hyena,  and Indian fox. The Gujarat Forest Department continues to play a vital role in the ecological  management of Banni, with focused efforts to restore degraded areas, control invasive  species, and encourage the growth of native grasses critical for sustaining local wildlife.

The spotted deer introduction represents a key milestone in ongoing efforts to restore  ecological balance in Banni. Vantara’s role remains that of a committed partner, contributing  scientific insight, veterinary expertise, and technical infrastructure in service of government led conservation goals. Together, these collaborative efforts are helping to strengthen  ecosystems and safeguard the future of India’s natural heritage, said the press release. DeshGujarat