BAHAWALPUR: Another incident of the wildlife loss surfaces as four precious deer of the blackbuck species worth hundreds of thousands of rupees recently died in the captivity at the Lal Sohanra Park about 35 kilometres from here.

Dawn learnt that the mortality of four blackbucks took place at the park on Jan 7. Officials of the government forest department confirmed the death of the four blackbucks.

Earlier last month, seven spotted deer died in the Bahawalpur Zoo.

Information obtained by this correspondent revealed that 13 blackbucks had fallen ill and the officials concerned not only rendered immediate medical treatment to the ailing bucks but also sought the vets’ opinion. This timely medical aid, the officials claimed, saved the lives of nine bucks though four lost their lives.

Conservator Saeed Ahmed Tabbasum told Dawn that the situation created panic and the officials sprang into action and immediately sought the services of the veterinarians of the Cholistan University for Veterinary and Animal Sciences (CUVAS). A team led by the varsity vice chancellor visited the park and examined the ailing deer.

He said the vets also conducted the postmortem examination of a dead deer but could not reach any conclusion regarding the cause of the death.

Lal Sohanra DFO Ijaz Tabbasum said frantic efforts were made to save the life of four bucks.

He said the postmortem examination report issued by CUVAS’s Dr Mubashar Rauf, assistant professor (Pathology), recommended further blood and feed analysis.

Published in Dawn, January 23rd, 2021