Blackbuck

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)

1. Golden Mahseer
2. Indian Nightjar
3. Spoonbill
4. White Ibis

Q.2) Certain species of which one of the following organisms are well known as cultivators of fungi? (2022)

1. Ant
2. Cockroach
3. Crab
4. Spider