Berhampur, Odisha’s Ganjam district’s blackbuck population has increased by 498 in the past year, officials said on Wednesday.
Blackbird population is increasing rapidly in Ganjam, OdishaAccording to the census conducted by the forest department on January 29, the total number of blackbucks in the district stood at 9,287.
The population was projected at 8,789 in 2025, 7,273 in 2023, 7,358 in 2021 and 6,875 in 2020, officials said.
The total population recorded this year included 5,832 females, 2,104 males and 1,351 juveniles, they said.
Known locally as ‘Krishnasar Marga’, the blackbird is listed under Schedule I of the Wildlife Act, and is classified as Vulnerable in the Red Data Book.
More Read
The highest number of blackbirds, 5,972, was observed in the southern forest division of Jhumusa, while the lowest was recorded at 459 in the north of Jhumusa. Another 2,856 animals were found in the Berhampur forest division.
Around 500 people including wildlife experts, activists, academics and college students were involved in the census. They were divided into 123 units for the exercise.
For the first time, the forest department has also conducted experimental drone-based aerial monitoring with AI-assisted calculations in limited areas, said Biswanath Neelannavar, Regional Chief Conservator of Forests.
More Read
Jhumusa South Divisional Forest Officer Bipasha Parul said improved habitat conditions, protection of local communities and continuous efforts of forest workers have contributed to the steady growth of blackbuck population.
Amulya Upadhyay, president of the Blackbird Protection Committee, said, “Locals believe that seeing blackbirds in paddy fields is a good omen.”
He said that the villagers do not harm the crops even if they graze the animals.
Blackbucks were last seen in Balukhand-Konark Wildlife Sanctuary in Puri district in 2012-13, and have since disappeared from the area. The forest department has started efforts to restore its habitat in the sanctuary through translocation.
Jhumusa North DFO Himangsu Shekhar Mohanty said four blackbucks were migrated from the area to Puri last year.
This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without text modification
