(a) the details of population of deer in the country, State-wise and sanctuary-wise;  (b) whether the population of deer is decreasing in the country;  (c) if so, the details thereof, State-wise and reasons therefor; and  (d) the measures taken/being taken by the Government to protect the deer? ANSWER MINISTER OF THE STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS (SHRI JAIRAM RAMESH)  (a) to (c) No systematic nation wide population estimation of various species of deer has been carried out in the country. There are no scientific reports indicating that the population of deer species has declined in the country except Kashmir Stag (Hangul). As per the information available with the Ministry, the population of Kashmir Stag (Hangul) in Kashmir has declined from 180-250 individuals in 1965 to 117-119 in 2006. Factors like habitat degradation/reduction, loss of foraging grounds, predation/competition, poaching, etc are the main reasons of declining population of Hangul.  (d) Important measures taken by the Government for conservation of wildlife including deer are as follows:  1. Threatened species of deer are included in the Schedules of the Wildlife (Protection), Act, 1972, thereby according them the highest degree of protection.  2. The Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 has been amended from time to time and made more stringent against wildlife related offences.  3. A network of Protected Areas has been established to conserve wildlife and their habitats including that of deer.  4. Wildlife Crime Control Bureau has been set up to check illegal trade in wildlife and its products.  5. The State/ UT Governments have been requested to strengthen the field formations and intensify patrolling in and around wildlife rich areas.  6. Financial and technical assistance is extended to the State/UT Governments under various Centrally Sponsored Schemes, viz, ‘Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitats`, ‘Project Tiger’ and ‘Project Elephant’ for providing better protection and conservation of wildlife, including deer.  7. Under the Centrally Sponsored Scheme - `Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitats`, a new component has been added for initiating `Recovery Programme for critically endangered species and their habitats`. During the last financial year (2008-09), an amount of Rs.99.00 lakhs has been released to the State of Jammu & Kashmir under this component for conservation of Hangul. Similarly, during the current financial year (2009-10), an mount of Rs. 33.96 lakhs has been released to the State of Manipur for conservation of Brow Antlered deer.  8. The Central Zoo Authority provides financial & technical assistance for the ex-situ conservation of rare & endangered deer species.