Bihar to start conservation programme for endangered Blackbucks

In news–Bihar is planning to launch a conservation drive for endangered blackbucks in Buxar district.

Key updates

A 12-acre rescue centre for the antelopes has been envisioned in the district for the purpose.
The move comes nearly a decade after a blackbuck safari project to attract tourists, generate revenue and create awareness for their conservation was scrapped by the state government before it could take off.
Hundreds of blackbuck, locally known as kala hiran or krishna mrig, roam freely near forest and riverine belt of Buxar as well as the neighbouring Bhojpur and Kaimur districts.
Now, blackbucks injured during wild encounters and poaching attempts will be brought to the rescue centre for treatment.

About Blackbuck

The blackbuck (Antilope cervicapra) is also known as the Indian antelope.
It inhabits grassy plains and lightly forested areas with perennial water sources.
It is the sole living member of the genus Antilope and was scientifically described by Carl Linnaeus in 1758.
Males have 35–75 cm long, ringed horns, though females may develop horns as well.
The white fur on the chin and around the eyes is in sharp contrast with the black stripes on the face.
The coats of males show a two-tone colouration – while the upper parts and outsides of the legs are dark brown to black, the underparts and the insides of the legs are white.
Females and juveniles are yellowish fawn to tan.
The blackbuck is extinct in Pakistan and Bangladesh.
In Nepal, the last surviving blackbuck population inhabits the Blackbuck Conservation Area south of Bardia National Park.

Historical & Mythological significance

It is routinely depicted in miniature paintings of the Mughal era.
It is considered to be the vehicle of Vayu (the wind god), Soma (the divine drink) and Chandra (the moon god).
In Tamil Nadu, the blackbuck is considered to be the vehicle of the Hindu goddess Korravai.
In Rajasthan, the goddess Karni Mata is believed to protect the blackbuck.

Conservation status

In 2008, they were declared ‘Near Threatened’ by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), but in 2017 were moved to the category of ‘Least Concern
Blackbuck are an “extremely vulnerable species”, on the “endangered list in India, and afforded the highest protection under the Schedule I of Wildlife Protection Act 1972”.
The blackbuck is listed under Appendix III of CITES.