The Wild Orissa held a workshop entitled ‘Blackbuck in Odisha: Status and Conservation’ on Saturday at the Regional Science Centre here.
Director General of Police (Fire Services) Dr Binay Kumar Behera attended as chief guest, while former PCCF (Wildlife) Saroj Kumar Patnaik, Chief Conservator of Forests Puri Circle Chittaranjan Mishra, Chief Conservator of Forests Ghumsar Circle Bijaya Kumar Acharya attended as honourable guests.
A book on blackbuck entitled Blackbuck in Odisha: Return to Home, published by the Wild Orissa, was released on the occasion.
Presently, the antelopes are found in Ganjam district, primarily in the forest ranges of Buguda and Aska under Ghumsur South Division and the Khallikote range of Brahampur Forest Division. In 1982, the estimated population of the species in India was between 22,500 and 24,500. In Odisha this species used to be found in large numbers in Baleswar and Puri districts, besides in coastal sand dunes of Bhitarkanika and Kujang area. Unfortunately, from most of these areas they have become extinct. Up to the 1960s, the blackbuck number was reported to be 1,200 -1,300. Sadly Balukhand-Konark wildlife sanctuary in Puri district has lost all its animals within the last five years.
Fencing and constructional practices, killing by stray dogs and speeding vehicles besides poaching are the main causes of their depletion.
Wild Orissa is working in association with the Puri (Wl) Division for possible reintroduction of this species in the Balukhand-Konark Willdife Sanctuary recently. A
draft master plan has been submitted in this regard.
Among others, former Principal Chief Conservator of Forests for Wildlife Bijay Ketan Patnaik, wildlife conservationist Nanda Kishore Bhujabal and researcher Dr Sudhakar Kar were present.