Blackbuck Population in Odisha’s Ganjam Rises to 9,287

Bhubaneswar: The blackbuck population in Odisha’s Ganjam district has risen to 9,287, registering an increase of 498 animals compared to last year’s count of 8,789, officials said.

The annual census was carried out by the Forest Department with the support of trained personnel, local residents, and students. A total of 123 teams participated in the enumeration exercise, which made use of drones and AI-enabled cameras for improved accuracy. The operation was directly supervised by the Assistant Conservator of Forests (ACF), Berhampur, and the Asika Range Officer.

The survey covered 70 census units spread across four zones in the district. During the count, blackbucks were identified based on their coat colour — animals with black coats were recorded as males, while brown-coated individuals were classified as females.

Forest officials attributed the steady rise in numbers to effective community-led conservation efforts and improvements in habitat conditions. Authorities said measures such as protection of grazing areas, reduction in poaching threats, and local awareness initiatives have contributed to the species’ recovery in the region.

Encouraged by the positive trend, the Forest Department is planning further steps to strengthen habitat management. Officials also confirmed that a blackbuck reintroduction programme has been initiated at the Balukhand–Konark Wildlife Sanctuary in Puri district, where the species had previously become locally extinct.

The blackbuck, known for its distinctive spiral horns and swift movement, is protected under Indian wildlife laws and is considered an important species in grassland ecosystems.