Wildlife Institute of India help sought for fast breeding blackbucks in Ganjam

BHUBANESWAR: The growing number of the endangered blackbuck in Bhetnoi-Balipadar landscape of Ganjam district has prompted the Wildlife Wing to seek the help of Wildlife Institute of India (WII) for their population management.

The latest census which puts their headcount at over 4,080 has left the Wildlife Wing both delighted and concerned. “The fact that the landscape of Bhetnoi and Ghumsur divisions provides an excellent habitat and community support for the Indian antelope is a matter of great joy and pride for us. But these species must not face conflict situation which may arise after three to four years when their population grows further,” Chief Wildlife Warden Dr Sandeep Tripathi told this paper on Sunday.

The WII has been asked to help the Wildlife Wing devise a population management framework for the blackbucks. The local population’s support in conserving the species has been a bright example of community conservation of blackbucks in this part of the country. While it is guided by religious ethos, the fact that rising population and their spread of base has also led to road-kills while man-animal conflict cannot be ruled out because blackbucks are grazers and thrive on crops and grass.

Besides, the absence of predator species in the region has also meant that the natural balance of the population is not happening. While seeking WII help, the Wildlife Wing is also planning translocation of small populations to Balukhand-Konark as well as to Chandaka wildlife sanctuaries.

WII help sought for fast breeding blackbucks

Balukhand used to hold a small population of blackbucks before the numbers dwindled in the late 2000s.
“There are management plans about translocation of blackbucks but never put to execution. We are now seriously considering them,” Tripathi said. The Wildlife Wing is confident that stronger conservation measures can help the Indian antelopes grow in number in Balukhand. The blackbucks happen to be quick breeders.

For Chandaka, however, only a sample population may be shifted. This will be done on a trial basis. The Wildlife Wing is also planning a Day Safari for Chandaka and blackbucks could be an attraction for the tourists. Before any translocation, the necessary study of the habitat and protection mechanism would be carried out, Tripathi said.