BERHAMPUR: The population of blackbucks, an endangered species, has increased by 509 during the last three years in Ganjam district. DFO (Ghumusar south) R Chandra Sethi said total population of the black bucks, locally known as Krushnasara Murga or Baliharina, was on Sunday enumerated at 2,181, compared to 1,672 in 2008. The blackbuck census was conducted by the Forest Department in Aska, Buguda, Polasara, Khallikote and Berhampur forest ranges, the abode of the endangered species of antelope in Ganjam district on Sunday. Around 200 persons including forest personnel, volunteers and experts took part in the five-hour enumeration exercise. Out of total blackbucks counted this time, 1,414 were females, 544 males and 223 young ones, the DFO said. Population of blackbucks in 2008 was estimated at 1,672 - 411 males, 1,123 females and 138 young.Improvement of habitats, protection given by the local people as well as forest staff are some of the reasons for the rise in population of blackbucks in the area, Sethi said. Most of blackbucks were seen in Balipadara-Bhetanai area, comprising around 70 villages of Buguda, Aska and Polasara forest ranges in the district. Their number in Aska range was 706 followed by Buguda (700), Khallikote (644), Polasara (127) and Berhampur (four). The blackbucks of Balipadara-Bhetanai area are being protected by the locals for several generations. The strong belief that the presence of blackbucks in the paddy fields brings prosperity to the village is at the root of the protection provided to this species. “Villagers do not kill the animal even if it strays into the field and grazes the crops,” said Blackbuck Protection Committee (Ganjam) president Amulya Upadhyay. Poaching of blackbucks was almost nil in the area due to the protection provided by protection committee members in various villages, he said.
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