Blackbuck Revival in Chhattisgarh: Species Returns After Nearly a Century

Blackbuck Reintroduction Success: A Century-Long Wait Ends

The Blackbuck (Antilope cervicapra) has officially returned to the wild in Chhattisgarh after a gap of nearly 100 years. Following a sustained reintroduction program, approximately 130 blackbucks are now thriving in the state's natural habitats. The species was last officially recorded in the region in 1927 before disappearing due to habitat loss and excessive hunting.

The Reintroduction Framework

• Start of the Program: The revival began in 2018 at the Barnawapara Wildlife Sanctuary.

• Sourcing: Initial populations of 77 blackbucks were brought from the National Zoological Park (Delhi) and Kanan Pendari Zoo.

• Conservation Methods: Implemented under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, the project utilized scientific techniques including acclimatization in soft-release enclosures and continuous tracking.

Expansion Plans

While 60 blackbucks remain under monitored enclosures, the state forest department plans to expand the project to the Gomardha Wildlife Sanctuary in Raigarh district. The Blackbuck is currently listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. For TNPSC and Environmental aspirants, this serves as a prime example of successful species reintroduction and ecosystem restoration in Central India.