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Blackbucks spreading to new areas in Ganjam

BERHAMPUR: Endangered blackbuck antelopes have increased their number and have started to spread out to new areas in Ganjam district.

These blackbucks are found especially in Balipadar-Bhetnoi areas of Ganjam district. The enumeration has proved that the blackbucks have a very cordial coexistence with the human populace in the area. Due to it they have started to make new forest sections near human habitats their new homes. Since generations the blackbucks are revered as harbingers of rain in Balipadar-Bhetnoi area. During a long spell of drought in the area more than a century ago sighting of a small group of black bucks had coincided with rains. In 1918 a localite Chandramani Dora and Britisher who was locally known as ‘Green Saheb’ had took major initiatives to protect this species by prohibiting killing of these animals. They had also published a notification in local newspapers about it. The dream of Dora and ‘Green Saheb’ seems to be materializing. Recent census reveals that within a year the number of blackbucks in Ganjam district has risen from 1101 to 1671. But the forest officials and wildlife activists are too enthusiastic about the sighting blackbuck habitats in areas where they were not being sighted earlier. Earlier they were found in the forests near around 70 villages of Buguda, Aska and Khallikote forest divisions.

“This year herds have been found to be staying without fear at some places in Aska range and Khallikote range near human habitats”, said DFO A.K.Jena. He said blackbuck population was found to be more wide spread and they were found to be staying without panic in new fringe areas. “It proves that the feeling of insecurity is getting reduced in the minds of these deer,” he said. The traditional belief that the presence of blackbucks in paddy fields brings prosperity has contributed greatly to this recent position of blackbucks in the area. As per the recent data out of the total area under the blackbuck habitat in Ganjam district around 60 per cent happens to be agricultural land.

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