The Chhattisgarh government has successfully reintroduced blackbucks into the state’s natural habitats after a five-year conservation and reintroduction plan, marking a major step in wildlife restoration.
About the Species
- The blackbuck is a graceful antelope species native to the Indian subcontinent, mainly found in India and Nepal.
- Scientific Name: Antilope cervicapra
- It is recognised as the State Animal of Punjab, Haryana, and Andhra Pradesh.
Distribution and Habitat
- Found across Rajasthan, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Odisha, and other parts of peninsular India.
- Prefers open grasslands, dry scrublands, and sparsely forested areas, where visibility helps them detect predators easily.
Physical Characteristics
- A medium-sized antelope with elegant spiral horns, present only in males, often reaching over 50 cm (20 inches) in length.
- Males are dark brown to black with contrasting white undersides, while females and young males are light brown or fawn-colored.
- Known for their speed and alert vision, blackbucks can run up to 80 km/h (50 mph) to escape predators.
- They are social animals, usually seen in herds of 5–50 individuals.
Conservation Status
- Listed as “Least Concern” on the IUCN Red List due to stable populations in protected zones.
- Protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, providing it the highest level of legal protection in India.
Significance
- Reintroduction efforts reflect successful habitat restoration and state-level biodiversity initiatives, vital for maintaining grassland ecosystems in central India.
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