From extinction to open plains, blackbuck makes a wild return

Raipur: Once extinct in the state, blackbucks are now steadily reclaiming their habitat in Chhattisgarh, with fresh releases taking the wild population to 130, while another 80 are awaiting release from enclosures. The reintroduction process, which began in 2018, marks the return of the species to the statenearly acentury after its extinction. As per documents available with the forest department, the species was last recorded in 1927.Following the success of this restoration initiative, the department now plans to introduce the species inGomardhaWildlife Sanctuary inSarangarh-Bilaigarhdistrict.Under the scientific management provisions of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, the antelopes were released into the habitat after undergoing anacclimatisationprocess.The reintroduced blackbucks have joined existing herds in the sanctuary. Oncenearly extinctin the state, these animals are now roaming freely in their natural environment."The first reintroduction of 77 blackbucks in the sanctuary was carried out in 2018. While 50 were brought from Delhi, 27 were sourced from Bilaspur's KananPendariZoo, which had alsoprocuredthe species from Delhi. By 2021, around 15 blackbucks died during the Covid-19 period due tovarious reasons. All of them were initially kept in enclosures. However, the population increased due to proper conservation efforts and, in 2026, 130 have been released into the wild," a senior forest official atBarnawaparaWildlife Sanctuary said.The forest team ensured that the translocation process remained stress-free for the animals.The department regularlymonitorsthe population using a PTZ IR camera installed on a watchtower, along with daily foot patrolling by forest guards. The current population inBarnawaparahas reached approximately 190, with 130 in the wild and around 60 in enclosures.The reintroduction aims to improve the local ecosystem.As coarse grass grazers, blackbucks help maintain grassland diversity by preventing the spread of unpalatable grass species.This, in turn, enhances grassland productivity, supports a higher density of prey, and helps sustain the food chain for predators."We are planning to introduce blackbucks inGomardhaWildlife Sanctuary,Sarangarh," said PCCF Arun Kumar Pandey.