New Delhi, Jan 4 (IANS): A wild antelope which had strayed in a south Delhi residential locality was rescued and released into the Asola wildlife sanctuary on the outskirts of the capital, a statement said Saturday.

The operation that lasted for several hours was jointly carried out by Delhi-based NGO Wildlife SOS and the Wildlife Trust of India Friday. The antelope or nilgai was wandering inside block E of Netaji Nagar in south Delhi.

The NGO acted after it received a call from one of the residents of the colony.

"The operation began at around 2 p.m. The nilgai was eventually rescued around 5.30 pm and was released into the Asola wildlife sanctuary at around 7 p.m.," said Rajbir Singh, rescue coordinator with Wildlife SOS .

"The large antelope weighing around 300 kg may have strayed out of natural habitat and got confused by the roads and traffic. The residents of colony had been feeding the animal which could be harmful for its health," he added.

According to Wildlife SOS, it has rescued eight nilgais in Delhi in the past week as they ventured out from nearby forests due to loss of habitat.

"The rapidly increasing human wildlife conflict situation is apparent. The nilgais strayed from their natural habitat and lost their way," said Geeta Seshamani, co-founder of the NGO.