Blackbuck Population Increased in Odisha

• 28 May 2021

Why in News

Recently, a census carried out by the Odisha State Forest Department revealed that Odisha's blackbuck population has doubled in the last six years.

Key Points

• About Blackbuck:
  
  • The Blackbuck (Antilope cervicapra), or the Indian Antelope, is a species of antelope native to India and Nepal.
    
    • It is widespread in Rajasthan, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Odisha, and other areas throughout peninsular India.
  • It is considered as the epitome of grassland.
  • It is considered to be the fastest animal in the world next to Cheetah.
  • The blackbuck is a diurnal antelope (active mainly during the day).
  • It has been declared as the State Animal of Punjab, Haryana, and Andhra Pradesh.
  • Cultural Importance: It is a symbol of purity for Hinduism as its skin and horns are regarded as a sacred object. For Buddhism, it is a symbol of good luck.
• Protection Status:
  
  • Wildlife Protection Act 1972: Schedule I
  • IUCN Status: Least Concern
  • CITES: Appendix III
• Threats:
  
  • Habitat Fragmentation, Deforestation, Natural Calamities, Illegal Hunting.
• Related Protected Areas:
  
  • Velavadar Blackbuck Sanctuary - Gujarat
  • Point Calimere Wildlife Sanctuary - Tamil Nadu
  • In 2017, the Uttar Pradesh State Government approved the plan of setting up the Blackbuck Conservation Reserve in the trans-Yamuna belt near Prayagraj. It would be the first conservation reserve dedicated to the blackbuck.
• Blackbuck in Odisha:
  
  • The blackbuck is known in Odisha as Krushnasara Mruga.
  • Blackbucks are confined to Balukhand-Konark coastal plain / wildlife sanctuary in Puri District; Balipadar-Bhetnoi and adjacent areas in Ganjam District.
  • As per the latest census, the antelopes numbered 7,358, compared to 2,194 in 2011.
  • Improvement of habitats, protection given by the local people and forest staff were some of the reasons for the increase of the population.
• Other Antelopes Found in India:
  
  • Barasingha/Swamp Deer, Chital/Spotted Deer, Sambar Deer, Sangai/Brow-Antlered Deer, Himalayan Serow, Barking Deer/Indian Muntjac, Nilgiri Tahr/Nilgiri Ibex, Tibetan Antelope, Himalayan Tahr, Nilgai/Blue Bull, Chinkara/Indian Gazelle.

Source: DTE