Environment & Ecology
Context: The blackbuck population has increased threefold in Odisha’s Ganjam district.
About Blackbuck:
- The Blackbuck (Antilope cervicapra), or the Indian Antelope, is a species of antelope native to India and Nepal.
- The blackbuck is a diurnal antelope (active mainly during the day).
Protection Status:
- Wildlife Protection Act 1972: Schedule I
- IUCN Status: Least Concern
- CITES: Appendix III
- It has been declared as the State Animal of Punjab, Haryana, and Andhra Pradesh.
Habitat of Blackbuck
- They inhabit grassy plains and thin forest areas with easily available water resources.
- It inhabits several protected areas of India, including:
- Gir National Park, Gujarat
- Kaimur Wildlife Sanctuary, Bihar
- Kanha National Park, Madhya Pradesh
- Ranthambore National Park, Rajasthan
- Ranebennur Blackbuck Sanctuary, Karnataka
- Vallanadu Wildlife Sanctuary, Tamil Nadu
Threats:
- Habitat Fragmentation, Deforestation, Natural Calamities, Illegal Hunting.
- Blackbucks were sighted in the Balukhand-Konark wildlife sanctuary in the Puri district through 2012-13
Balukhand Wildlife Sanctuary:
- The Balukhand-Konark Wildlife Sanctuary is located in Odisha, along the Bay of Bengal coast, between the towns of Puri and Konark.
- Important Species found: Blackbuck and Spotted Deer.
Source: Down to earth
Previous Year Questions
Q.1) Which of the following is not a bird? (2022)
- Golden Mahseer
- Indian Nightjar
- Spoonbill
- White Ibis
Q.2) Certain species of which one of the following organisms are well known as cultivators of fungi? (2022)
- Ant
- Cockroach
- Crab
- Spider
