Odisha’s “blackbucks” double in 6 years, reveals census

Contents

• 1
• 2 What is the News?
• 3 Blackbucks in Odisha:
• 4 About Blackbucks:

What is the News?

According to a census carried out by the Odisha State Forest Department, Odisha’s blackbuck population has doubled in the last six years.

Blackbucks in Odisha:

• Firstly, the Blackbuck is known in Odisha as Krushnasara Mruga.
• Secondly, Blackbucks are found only in the Ganjam district in the southern part of Odisha. It used to be sighted in the Balukhand-Konark Wildlife Sanctuary till 2012-13. But now has vanished from the area.
• Thirdly, according to Census 2021, Blackbuck is numbered around 7,358 in Odisha in 2021. This means that the blackbuck population in Odisha has doubled in the last six years(3,806 in 2015).
• Reasons for the increase in population:
  • Improvement of habitats,
  • The protection given by the local people and forest staff.

About Blackbucks:

Source: Deccan Herald

• The blackbuck (Antilope cervicapra) is also known as the Indian antelope. It is an antelope native to India and Nepal.
• Habitat: It inhabits grassy plains and lightly forested areas with perennial water sources.
• Features:
  • Males weigh heavier than Female Blackbucks. Males have long, ringed horns. Females may also develop horns.
  • The blackbuck is a diurnal antelope (active mainly during the day).
  • Blackbuck is considered to be the fastest animal in the world next to Cheetah.
  • The blackbuck is a herbivore and grazes on low grasses as well.
• State Animal: Blackbuck has been declared as the State Animal of Punjab, Haryana, and Andhra Pradesh.
• Protection Status:
  • IUCN Status: Least Concern
  • Wildlife Protection Act 1972: Schedule I
  • CITES: Appendix III
• Religious Significance:
  • The blackbuck is routinely depicted in miniature paintings of the Mughal era (16th to 19th centuries) depicting royal hunts often using cheetahs.
  • Blackbuck is mentioned in Sanskrit texts such as Krishna Mrig. According to Hindu mythology, the blackbuck draws the chariot of Lord Krishna.
  • Villagers in India and Nepal generally do not harm the blackbuck. Tribes such as the Bishnois revere and care for most animals including the blackbuck.
• Protected Areas:
  • Gujarat: Velavadar Wildlife Sanctuary, Gir Forest National Park
  • Bihar: Kaimur Wildlife Sanctuary
  • Maharashtra: Great Indian Bustard Sanctuary
  • Madhya Pradesh: Kanha National Park
  • Among others.

Source: Down To Earth