NOMANNIC KRAB HOG DEER REHABILITATION PROJECT (NKHDRP)

Creating harmony with nature

Hog Deer rehabilitation project explains how we as a company are seeking to meet our social, environment & ethical responsibilities and to satisfy the expectations of all those involved in our business. We have done some hard thinking on how we can genuinely contribute to the welfare of Hog Deer. This thoughtfulness is ingrained in the way we run our business, where 1% of our profit is reserved towards preserving Hog Deer. Our environment had often been the focus of our attention. We acknowledge its responsibility towards preserving the environment as part of being a good corporate citizen. Our commitment to nurture and uplift the environment are primarily governed by our desire to

1. Minimize negative impact our operations may have towards the environment
2. Support solving of social issues of the community
3. Be an active participant in uplifting community life.
4. Be a contributor towards long-term sustainability and development of the environment.

Nomannic Krab recognizes, that when we make profit we also accept a responsibility. We strive to achieve the best balance of quality, value for money, social well being & animal welfare.

ensure to our customers, that all Nomannic Krab Products have been produced in an ethically and environmentally responsible manner.
Our corporate social responsibility focuses on working with external organizations through project support on preserving endangered Hog Deer, which is design & implemented to restore and reintroduction of Hog Deer Generic diversity. We also encourage Hog Deer conservation and awareness campaigns.
Although we demonstrate a heavy focus to Ambalangoda area, we acknowledge our responsibility to act towards the whole of Sri Lanka as an influential member.

Nomannic Krab recognize its obligation to look for solutions to Hog Deer extinction in Sri Lanka. Though there numbers are low villagers consider it as the greatest threat to Cinnamon and most agricultural crops.

Thus we need slowly place our attention on protecting Hog Deer while protecting our crop at the same time. Ceyargro is working with “The Hog Deer Park” (Vil Muwa Arana) a supportive local initiative to help us achieve this noble task.

We are also looking forward to work with other environment organizations as a partner in specific Hog Deer conservation projects.
In creating a specific objective and a clear goal to reserve 1% of our profit to preserve Hog deer both Nomannic Krab & Sri Lankan community will be able to feel the benefits of the work put in. In creating the right atmosphere and helping to protect our wild life, we are truly setting the way for a new generation of youth to face the future goals of tomorrow. We understand that having being given a due insight to the issue, which should be addressed in advance, would only clarify the intentions of tomorrow.

Restoration and Reintroduction of Hog Deer to Preserve its Genetic Diversity.

“Preserving Hog Deer is a matter of continuous evolution”

Introduction

There are five species of deer in Sri Lanka. The NKHDRP works with Ceylon Hog Deer (Axis porcinus oryzus); the most rarest and endangered of the five species. Authorities believe that there are only around 200 Hog Deer living in the wild, and it was believed by many observers that the Hog Deer was extinct in Sri Lanka (W.W.A Phillips,1980, John & Judy Banks,1986) until a captive pair was found in 1998.

Hog Deer (Axis porcinus oryzus) is a sub species peculiar to Sri Lanka. The Color, which is gray and the size (about 2-2.5 feet in height) makes it easier to identify it from any other Sri Lankan deer. Fawns have a spotted appearance and as it matures its coat gradually becomes grayer. The gestation period is about 7 months and the rutting period lasts from September to December. Males can be identified by their long antlers, and larger size, At the end of every rutting season the antlers fall off and new ones grow, each set being longer than the last. Species from India have been known to live for about 10 years. Hog Deer’s are crepuscular and nocturnal in habits spending the daytime lying up in some secluded patch of under-growth. Hog Deer’s food consists of rough grasses, rice, cinnamon shoots. The recent records reveal that Hog Deer range in Sri Lanka is limited to areas in Kaluthara and Galle Districts ex: Karandeniya and Batapola. Because of its limited distribution range, many think that the Dutch introduced it.

Our Objectives

• To Conserve the Hog Deer by ensuring its survival in Sri Lanka to achieve an ecological balance
• To enhance the living standards of the community

Methodology

“Wild life rehabilitation involves the caring of sick, injured and orphaned wild animals with the object of releasing and relocating them back into nature, is part of the ecological balance of our planet. We must realize that we must do everything possible NOW, in order to save our Hog Deer for future generations. Rehabilitatotors ease the suffering of these animals by caring for them until they can be released.”

It has been globally accepted that the public should be encouraged to participate actively in biodiversity conservation programs. In Sri Lanaka this approach has never been considered in the past, a local NGO at Batapola, Ambalangoda-” Biodiversity Protection Organization” who volunteered to assist the Department of Wild Life Conservation (DWLC) to conduct the recent informal survey on Hog Deer has shown a great interest to participate actively in this project. This NGO having a membership consisting of young school leavers and self employed youth has the potential to establish and manage the Hog Deer conservation center, In its own habitat, if properly guided and funded under the supervision of the Department of Wild Life Conservation (DWLC).

A 20-acre block of land with such habitats has been identified bordering Madampa-Vila and the owner of the land has agreed to release the land for this project for a period of 10 years, free of charge. This land area is to be enclosed by PVC quoted chain link mesh to protect the animals as well as the adjoining cinnamon and other crops. When excited the Hog Deer can jump over a height of 4-5 ft. Therefore the chain link mesh should be erected up to a height of 6 ft. In addition to the 20-acre enclosure, several other enclosures are to be put up within the center as experimental pens. Semi-permanent structure is designed to construct out of locally available materials such as coconut stems and cinnamon timber. Quarantine facilities, Rehabilitation site, re-introduction site, Education & Administrative facilities, Guardroom, Boatyard & Platform, Observation towers, Restaurant, Store room & Workers quarters, will be installed within first three years.

Quarantine Facilities

New Hog Deer’s must under go veterinary clearance and a Quarantine period to make sure they are disease-free. All new Hog Deer will be kept in quarantine for a period of 60-90 days.

Quarantine facilities must be done by a qualified veterinary surgeon, presently “Hog Deer Park”(Vil Muwa Arana) does not get the service and we hope to have a visiting vet as soon as possible, we will be able to get his service at least four times a month before we move on to get the service of a permanent veterinary surgeon.

Rehabilitation Site

The Hog Deer will be kept in a large enclosure at Batapola. They will be fed and observed regularly. We encourage their natural behaviors: for example, the opportunity to practice their fighting skills when they are in rut, eat natural foods, have maximum contact with other Hog Deer and minimum contact with humans. The Hog Deer will be observed each day for the first few months they are here. It is important to observe whether Hog Deer that have been alone as pets can get a long with other Hog Deer in the way that wild Deer’s would and whether they display the appropriate behavior.

Re-introduction Site

A training cage has to be built at Batapola area. We are planning to build it next to the Rehabilitation site. This site is used for a small herd of Deer to explore and adapt to their natural environment before Department of Wild Life Conservation decides to Re-locate them in a suitable National park.

Educational Facilities

With our donations and support from our well-wishers we would like to build, equip an educational and Administrative facility.

The Educational facility will be equipped with a Museum and a library for slide shows, and talks, and form part of the commitment to educate our children and the public of the necessity to look after and live with our wild life.

The facility will be set up in such away as to accommodate school children for day visits not only to teach them about Hog Deer but as a complete environment centre, where invited guests can give talks and demonstrations on the environment.

Security

A security system has to be built in order to safe guard the endangered deer and resources from predators, vandals.

Boat Yard & Plat

We are planning to build a Boat yard and a platform. “Hog Deer Park” (Vil Muwa Arana) will be an added attraction to the scenic beauty of the Madampa-vila Wetland. A Boat ride without using motorboats will be offered to visitors who wish to enjoy the sight of freely roaming Hog Deer in the park. A nominal fee will be levied for the boat-ride and the funds will be utilized for the maintenance of the centre.

Observation Towers

Madampa-vila wet land is a great place for Bird watching. So far there are 145 species 0f birds recorded, including many endemic, resident and migrants. We are planning to construct these towers on strategic places where one can watch without disturbing the animals or birds.

Restaurant

This type of facility although highly necessary is greatly lacking in these parts. Visitors will be able to get good refreshments from this facility.

Administrative Facility

Administrative Facility is a must for the well being of the “Hog Deer Park”(Vil Muwa Arana). We are planning to build the facility adjoining the Education centre.

Storage Facility & Staff Quarters

Storeroom & workers quarters have to be built in order to maintain everyday activities of the park. At least six workers (including two guards) should work everyday to accomplish day-to-day activities.

All these structures will be designed in an environment friendly manner, using locally available material with public participation and utilizing funds from the well wishers & NGO.
Once the required protection is ensured after the installation of the chain link mesh, a dozen of Hog deer already under captivity will be introduced.
We will be handing over Hog Deer for this project while encouraging other farmers to do the same.

The second phase will be more challenging as the wild caught Hog Deer may resist capturing and translocation. Several locations for capturing Hog Deer have been identified. To finalize these locations DWLC has already launched a formal survey with the assistance of the “Biodiversity Protection Organization” at Batapola.
Safety Nylon nets is used to capture wild Hog Deer by way of driving them towards the net. Safety boxes will be used to transport them to the center. Transportation will be done through the Department of Wild Life Conservation (DWLC) vehicles.

At the center both captive and wild caught Hog Deer will be brought up as semi wild animals allowing them to interact with each other (After the Quarantine period). Capture and introduction will continue for six months until a viable population is built up at the center.

When the population increases a supplement diet will be needed to compensate their nutritional requirements. Rise-Bran and brewers-residue are freely available in the area. By adding essential minerals and vitamins a balanced diet, which could enhance the breeding, efficacy should be introduced in the form of palatable feed. Further research will be needed to formulate such a supplement.
After encouraging natural breeding once the Hog-Deer population increases to viable numbers, the first batch of a Hog Deer will be released to a National Park or to a protected area, once further studies are done on their habitat requirements by The Wild Life Conservation Department & “The Hog Deer park” (Vil Muwa Arana) authority. Estimate of this project is over 1 Million. Where 1% of our profit will be completely allocated for this project.
Benefits to the Environment, to people and the quality of life now and in the Future

The Wild Life, which we rehabilitate and re-introduce back into nature, is part of the ecological balance of our planet. Considering examples in other countries, we must realize that we must do everything possible Now, in order to save our Wild Life for future generations.

This is our last chance to do so, and we mean all Wild Life, including the Hog Deer, because they are also part of our Ecosystem.
Education can only be done if proper knowledge is available. By working closely with our diverse wild life, the centre can contribute to this knowledge and would like to put special emphasis on the Education of our children who are at this stage so far removed from Nature.

Nature is essential for the well being of people, they are part of it. There is enormous amount of heritage attached to wild animals, which will be forgotten if these animals disappear.
Therefore Nomannic Krab Hog Deer Rehabilitation Project feels that people will benefit by:

• Awareness & Education of the importance and the existence of our forests and it’s wildlife
• Schools having a place to go for environmental educational outings
• A centre to learn about our wild life and its benefits
• A place to study the ethology and behavior of this unique species
• A place to educating farmers how to maintain natural areas on their farms. At the moment there is great emphasis put on Natural farming, we have learned about the abuse of poisons, insecticides, etc in farming. Natural processes in farming are definitely more beneficial for people’s well being than the use of chemicals

All the efforts of the Nomannic Krab Hog Deer Rehabilitation Project (CHDRP) is to ensure the quality of life now & in the future for both the creatures on our earth as well as the people.

Every inhabitant in Sri Lanka has the right to enjoy the heritage of our remaining wild life.

Every generation being the trustees of our Natural heritage must act in the interest of the succeeding generations to ensure the viability of our wild life forms and Natural habitats.

It is therefore necessary that every citizen take into consideration all activities that will have an adverse influence on our Natural environment.

The maintenance & protection of natural ecological processes, diverse habitats and land forms are essential for the survival of not only our wildlife, but for the survival of all life forms.

Community Value of the Project

• A centre where people can be encouraged to hand in Hog Deer’s that have been raised in captivity, and where the public can be educated on how to exist with and appreciate our wild life
• Emphasis that wild animals do not make good pets
• A facility to teach our younger generation how to treat and respect our environment and the repercussions that follows when the balance of nature is disturbed
• A contact point to offer realistic advice and to educate the farming community on how to deal with and minimize crop damage caused by wild life
• The centre will directly and indirectly create hundreds of jobs and that will uplift their living standards.

We hope to hold hands with “Hog Deer park” (Vil Muwa Arana) which is supported by the Department of Wild Life Conservation (DWLC) in Sri Lanka to achieve an ecological balance and to establish the authentic identity of Hog Deer while minimizing the Hog Deer threat to the Sri Lankan agriculture.

Different people have different priorities and approaches. But Nomannic Krab’s is based on the ground of Spartan discipline and care for our responsibility.