Blackbuck

Blackbuck Decline in Abohar Wildlife Sanctuary: A Conservation Concern

Why in News:
Wildlife authorities have recently confirmed a significant decline in the population of blackbucks within the Abohar Wildlife Sanctuary in Punjab. Once considered a safe haven for these graceful antelopes, the sanctuary is now witnessing dwindling numbers, raising alarm among conservationists.

Key Provisions:
The blackbuck (Antilope cervicapra), native to India and Nepal, is renowned for its agility, sharp vision, and striking features. Males are distinguished by their dark brown to black coats and long spiral horns, while females are generally lighter in color and have shorter, less prominent horns.

Despite being classified as "Least Concern" on the IUCN Red List due to stable populations in some areas, the blackbuck receives top-tier legal protection under Schedule I of India’s Wildlife Protection Act. This status underscores the species' importance in conservation efforts, particularly in regions facing habitat degradation.

Blackbucks thrive in open grasslands and scrubland ecosystems. The Abohar Wildlife Sanctuary, located in Punjab, is especially notable because it is entirely made up of community-owned land spread across 13 Bishnoi villages. The Bishnoi community is traditionally known for its commitment to wildlife and environmental protection. The sanctuary, which once hosted a robust blackbuck population, has seen a sharp decline due to increasing habitat loss, urban encroachment, and other anthropogenic pressures.

Besides blackbucks, the sanctuary is home to diverse wildlife including wild boars, jackals, and a variety of native plant species such as Acacia and Albizia. Although the blackbuck remains Punjab’s state animal, urgent conservation measures are needed to prevent further decline and to restore its population in this once-thriving habitat.

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