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1,400-year religious protection of sika deer in Japan have made them genetically unique
Key details:
- Nara has a long history and connection with sika deer, with classic Japanese poems about the deer being composed there 1,200 years ago.
- These deer are revered in this area as the messengers of the (Shinto) gods in Kasugataisha Shrine.
- Deer are still considered sacred creatures by the people of Nara.
- These are designated as national natural treasures.
About the sika deer:
- The sika deer is also known as the Northern spotted deer or the Japanese deer.
- It is a species of deer native to much of East Asia.
- It is now uncommon in other parts of East Asia except in Japan, where the species is overabundant.
- Sika deer are found in the temperate and subtropical forests of eastern Asia
Shintoism:
- The followers of Shintoism believe that spiritual powers exist in the natural world.
- Shinto revolves around supernatural entities called the kami.
- The kami are believed to inhabit all things, including forces of nature and prominent landscape locations.
- Shintoism believes that even a stone is supposed to have life.
- Effectively, it believes in what we today call ‘sustainable development’.
- Since Shinto believes in a live and let live approach people did not have a problem in living alongside sika deer.
Threats to sika deer:
- Expansion in Japan’s human population
- Excessive hunting
SOURCE: THE HINDU, THE ECONOMIC TIMES, PIB
