Blackbuck Killed in Sirsa

• 26 Dec 2024

Why in News? 

Recently, a blackbuck poaching incident in Jandwala Bishnoiyan village, Sirsa district, has outraged the Bishnoi community.  

• The community, known for its commitment to wildlife conservation, is demanding stronger action to safeguard endangered species and prevent further poaching. 

 Key Points 

• About the Incident: 
  • On 23^rd December 2024, the carcass of a five-year-old male blackbuck was found with cut marks, indicating poaching. 
  • Veterinary surgeon conducted the post-mortem, identifying a punctured wound as evidence of poaching. 
    • Other animals, such as a nilgai and calves, might have also been poached in the area. 
• Conservation Concerns: 
  • Local conservationists are alarmed by the declining blackbuck population in the region. 
  • The Akhil Bhartiya Jeev Raksha Bishnoi Sabha, highlighted the impact of de-notification of sanctuaries in 2017 on wildlife in villages like Jandwala Bishnoiyan, Ganga, and Bhaukhera. 
  • Blackbucks and chinkara deer populations have significantly decreased since de-notification. 
  • A case has been registered under Sections 9, 39, 49, 51, and 54 of the Wildlife Protection Act 1972.  

 Blackbucks 

 

• About: 
  • 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. 
  • The blackbuck is a diurnal antelope (active mainly during the day). 
• Recognition: 
  • 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 sacred objects. For Buddhism, it is a symbol of good luck. 
• Protection Status: 
  • Wildlife Protection Act 1972: Schedule I 
  • IUCN Status: Least Concern 
  • CITES: Appendix III 
• Threat: 
  • 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. 
  • Tal Chhapar Sanctuary- Rajasthan