The Indian Blackbuck (Antilope cervicapra), is one of the three species of antelopes found in Orissa. The other two are Nilgai (Boselaphus tragocamelus) and the Chowsingha (Tetracerus quadricornis). All the three are even-towed (Artiodactyla) Bovids. Blackbuck is considered to be the second fastest animal in the world next to Cheetah. There is a fast decline in the population of Blackbucks throughout the country due to poaching and habitat loss. In the recent past, this endemic animal was quite numerous and commonly seen. Subsequently, within a short span of time it has suffered a drastic reduction in numbers. Blackbuck is included in the Schedule-I of Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 and is designated as Vulnerable as per Red Data Book (1994). It is one of the most popular exhibits in the zoos of the country and elsewhere.

Distribution and Status

In India the species is widespread in Rajasthan, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Tamilnadu and other areas throughout peninsular India. In 1982, the estimated population in India was between 22,500 to 24,500. According to 1993 estimation, the population of Blackbuck in the country was about 10,000 and was stable.

Past distribution in Orissa

- This species was occurring in Balesore and Puri Districts and very scarcely in Bolangir and Kalahandi districts and also in coastal sand dunes of Bhitarkanika and Kujang area. Upto the 1960s, the Blackbuck number was reported to be 1200-1300.

Present distribution in Orissa

- It is now confined to Balukhand-Konark Sanctuary in Puri i District; Balipadar-Bhetnoi and adjacent areas in Ganjam District.
- In Orissa the estimated population of Blackbuck is about 800 to 900.

The Balipadar-Bhetnoi Blackbuck is seen in about 70 villages of Buguda, Aska and Kodala Forest Ranges in Ganjam District The Blackbucks of Balipadar-Bhetnoi area are protected religiously by the local communities. The belief that the presence of Blackbuck in the paddy fields brings prosperity to the village has contributed greatly to the protection of this species. The villagers do not kill the animal even if it strays I into the fields and grazes their crop. Such protection has been approved by the local people for several generations. As the story goes more than a century ago, there was once a long spell of drought in this locality. During this period, a small group of Blackbuck appeared from somewhere in the area for the first time, and then there was rain and the drought spell was broken. Since then people have been rigidly protecting these animals as they feel that their fate is linked with the Blackbuck. During 1918, a Britisher known as "Green saheb" and the 'Sardar' of the locality Sri Madeshi Chandramani Dora took the initiative for protection of this species and published a notification in the Oriya news paper "Prajamitra" prohibiting killing of the Blackbuck. Recent census has put their number in this area at 786, and there is a healthy growth in the numbers over the past decade.

Research

A research scheme was partially implemented with financial assistance from the Ministry of Environment and Forests, Government of India for collection of basic scientific information on the isolated population of Blackbucks in Balipadar- Bhetnoi area during l995-'96. On the findings of the above study there has been documentation of (i) population status, sex composition, herd structure and social grouping (ii) distribution pattern of the animal and threat aspects, and (iii) breeding biology (natality /mortality parameters), etc.

Rehabilitation

Steps were taken to rehabilitate Blackbucks in Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary during 1985-87 by introducing 14 (9M+5F) zoo bred specimens of Nanadanakanan Zoological Park stock. They could not adjust to the new surrounding and all perished after a couple of months.

Realising the significance of Blackbuck, the Ballipadar area is being developed as a "Community Reserve" in accordance with the recent amendment of Wildlife (Protection) Act.

Census of Blackbucks

The Forest Department conducted a census of Blackbucks on 14.5.1973 in the Balipadar- Bhetnoi area. Subsequently, the census was conducted in the year 1980,1998 and 2004 in the same area. In order to ascertain the population, the survey area is divided into small segments and enumerators in each segment make total count of the animals from direct sighting.

Results of 2004-census indicate that, there is 42% increase in the Blackbuck population over the last count (1998census), and out of three Forest Ranges, namely Buguda, Aska and Khallikote, Buguda Range alone holds 56% of the Blackbuck population at present.

A herd of Blackbucks

Blackbuck: An Overview

The Blackbuck is also found in Western Nepal where there were 176 animals in 1991. A large feral population occur in USA (more than 20,000 in 326 Texas Ranches, 1988). On the Pampas on north-western and central Argentina more than 10,000 animals were available in 1980s.

Morphology

Blackbuck is a medium sized Antelope which stands about 80 cm. at the shoulder and weighs about 40 kg. They are sexually dimorphic. The males at their initial stage are brown without horns. However, with secretion of sexual hormone, males develop a pair of un- branched ,'corkscrew' horns on each side of head and change their body colour to elegant black. The beautiful spiral horns (never shed like deer's antler) may grow upto 50 cm. The colour of the body coat is light yellow in young and females. As the male grows older the dorsal body colour turns into black. Males have pronounced post orbital glands which exude a pungent sticky secretion.

Habitat

It primarily covers three Forest Ranges i.e. Buguda and Aska in Ghumsur south Division and Khallikote Range of Berhampur Forest Division. The state highway from Khurda to Berhampur via Nayagarh also passes through their habitat. The Blackbuck habitat covers about 60% cultivated lands/ cropped fields, 15%rocky elevations, 10% man made houses and roads, 8% forest cover, 5% water bodies and 2% horticulture farms and waste lands.

Food

Blackbucks live on fresh tender leaves, grass, crops, cereals, vegetables and leaves of shrubs and trees. They feed for a long time, select succulent grasses, tender shoots of crops and plants which help them to maintain water balance in their bodies. They can survive without drinking water for a day to week.

Movement Pattern

Blackbucks are gregarious in nature. Their movement depends upon factors like availability of fresh vegetation, availability of water, human interference, interference by domestic animals within their activity limit, and environmental parameters like temperature, wind, rainfall play important role for determining the movement pattern of Blackbuck.

Herd Structure and Social Grouping

The social organisations of Blackbucks are categorized into the following groups:

Mixed herd formed by males and females of different age groups.
Harem herd or territorial herd with one territorial male and females with all age groups.
Bachelor herd of all male members.
Herd of all female groups.
Lone adult male (wandering).

Local Oriya names: Krushnasar mruga, 'Bali Harina', 'Kala bahutia'.

Breeding

Blackbucks breed in all seasons but main rut takes place between February to May The gestation period is about 5-6 months. Usually only one young is born at a time. Females of about two years old and above give birth to young ones. At the Nandanakanan Zoo in Orissa, a female fawned for the first time at the age of 2 years and one month and another at the age of almost two and a half years.

Mortality

The normal life span of Blackbuck is about 12 to 15 years. The maximum age recorded was 16 years and 10 months.

Predation

The young ones fall prey to a number of predators such as wolf, hyena, jungle cat, jackal, pythons, wild pigs, feral dogs, etc..

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