Odisha’s Blackbucks Doubled

In News

Odisha’s blackbuck population has doubled in the last six years, according to figures from the latest population census released recently by the Chief conservator of forest (wildlife).

About 

• The census was carried out by the State forest department in February 2021.
• Blackbucks are confined to Balukhand-Konark coastal plain / wildlife sanctuary in Puri District; Balipadar-Bhetnoi and adjacent areas in Ganjam District.
• The blackbuck is known in Odisha and Ganjam as Krushnasara Mruga.
• The numbers were 6,875 in 2020, 4,082 in 2018, 3,806 in 2015 and 2,194 in 2011,

Reasons for Increase in Population

• Improvement of habitats.
• Blackbuck poaching was almost nil in the region.
• Protection given by the local people and forest staff-
  • The people of Ganjam had been enthusiastically protecting the animal like the Bishnois of western Rajasthan and the Vala Rajputs of Saurashtra.
  • No harm to the blackbucks even if they grazed in fields and destroyed crops. 

• The animal featured in the history, folklore and religious sentiments of people in the Ganjam district, especially the Balipadar-Bhetanai areas.

Blackbuck

• The blackbuck (Antilope cervicapra), also known as the Indian antelope, is an antelope native to India and Nepal.
• Conservation Status:
  • It is a Schedule-I species according to the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. 
  • It is considered as ‘Least Concern’ according to the IUCN Red Data Book.
  • It is listed in Appendix III of Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).
• They are known for their majestic spiral horns and coat colour contrasts.
• They are considered to be the fastest animal in the world next to Cheetah.
• They are found in open habitats such as grassy plains and thinly forested areas, which allow them to spot predators from long distances as well as providing grazing forage.
• The species is widespread in Rajasthan, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and other areas throughout peninsular India. 
• It is the State Animal of Andhra Pradesh, Haryana and Punjab.

(Image Courtesy: nativeplanet.com )

• There are a few national parks and sanctuaries inhabited by blackbuck in the country viz.
  • Velavadar Wildlife Sanctuary in Gujarat 
  • Ranebennur Blackbuck Sanctuary in Karnataka
  • Point Calimere Wildlife Sanctuary in Tamil Nadu
• The Uttar Pradesh government has approved a wildlife conservation reserve dedicated exclusively to the blackbucks in the trans-Yamuna region of Prayagraj.It would be the first conservation reserve dedicated to the blackbuck.

Conclusion

• The conservation of blackbuck can now be done in an effective way. 
• It will also create awareness about biodiversity conservation and provide opportunities for people’s participation. 
• Eco-tourism will be encouraged and locals will get opportunities for employment.

Source: DTE