Post-translocation population characteristics and conservation insights for eastern swamp deer Rucervus duvaucelii ranjitsinhi reinforcement in Manas National Park, Assam, India

. The mean group size (6.86 ± 4.32) comprised 21% adult males, 56% adult females, 14% sub-adults, and 9% fawns. An annual mean population growth rate of 17.13% indicates successful establishment and recovery of the subspecies in the Manas landscape. While late-season grassland burning threatens habitat quality by promoting invasive plant species and overlapping breeding periods; controlled early patch burning (November-December) is recommended to avoid fawning period, retain soil moisture, and support sustainable grassland regeneration. Long-term conservation of the eastern swamp deer requires the protection and restoration of grasslands, swamps, and water bodies alongside enhanced anti-poaching measures and sustained ecological monitoring for population resilience in the Manas landscape.