World Nature Conservation Day: Blackbuck population triples in Ganjam as locals turn saviour

As the whole world is grappling with various issues due to climate change, World Nature Conservation Day is observed every year to sensitise people to conserve nature and animals.

While many animals are getting extinct in various parts of the globe due to various reasons, thanks to the awareness about the conservation of nature and massive protection drive by local people and Forest Department officials, the blackbuck population has increased threefold in Odisha’s Ganjam district over the last 12 years.

As per the latest biannual census conducted by the State’s Forest Department on January 29 this year, a total of 7,743 blackbucks were counted in the district. According to official sources, the population of the most elegant member of the antelope family was 2,194 in 2011. Their numbers were 7,352 in 2021 and 6,885 in 2020.

According to the latest estimation, as many as 4,753 females, 1,472 males and 1,518 young blackbucks were sighted in the Ghumusar South division.

The blackbuck is a Schedule 1 animal as per the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. The attractive species are listed as ‘near threatened’ in the global organisation International Union for Conservation of Nature’s Red List.

As per State Forest Department sources, improvement of habitats and protection by the local people and forest staff are some of the reasons behind the increase in the blackbuck population in the district.

Residents in Ganjam district protect the blackbuck, as its sightings are considered an indicator of good luck. The practice has continued for the past several years.

“It’s a common belief that the more the animals eat, the higher the agricultural yields. The people of the region believe the sighting of the blackbuck in the paddy field is a harbinger of good luck,” said a forest official.

“People also believe that the creatures break long drought spells and bless the area with plenty of food and wealth. The animals roam freely due to the shelter by the villagers,” he added.

Besides, several programmes have also been undertaken under the Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitats scheme for increasing food, water and safety of the animals. 

Water holes have been created for the improvement of their habitat. A watch tower and a rescue-cum-treatment centre have been established in the area to treat the injured blackbucks as well. Speed breakers and road humps have been installed in vulnerable areas to prevent accidents at road crossings which are the major cause of the death of the blackbucks.