The Indian Blackbuck (Antilope cervicapra), is one of the three species of antelopes found in Orissa. The other two are Nilgai (Boselaphus tragocamelus) and the Chowsingha (Tetracercus quadricornis). All the three are even-towed (Artiodactyla) Bovids. Blackbuck is considered to be the fastest animal in the world next to Cheetah. There is a fast decline in the population of Blackbucks throughout the country due to poaching and habitat loss. In the recent past, this endemic animal was most numerous, commonly seen as a large wild mammal in the Indian subcontinent. Subsequently within a short span of time this animal has suffered much reduction in numbers. Blackbuck is included in the Schedule-I of Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 and is designated as Vulnerable as per Red Data Book (1994). It is one of the most popular exhibits in most of the zoos of the country and else where.
In India the species is wide spread in Rajasthan, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Tamilnadu and other areas throughout peninsular India. In 1982, the estimated population in India was between 22,500 to 24,500. According to 1993 estimation, the population of Blackbuck in India was between 10,000 and are stable or increasing.
This species was occurring in Balesore and Puri Districts and very scarcely in Bolangir and Kalahandi districts and also in coastal sand dunes of Bhitarkanika and Kujang area. Upto the 1960s, the Blackbuck number was reported to be 1200 -1300.
It is now confined to Balukhand-Konark coastal plain / wildlife sanctuary in Puri District; Balipadar-Bhetnoi and adjacent areas in Ganjam District.
In Orissa the estimated population of Blackbuck is about 800 to 900.
The Balipadar-Bhetnoi area comprising of about 70 villages of Buguda, Aska and Kodala Forest Ranges in Ganjam District. The Blackbucks of Balipadar-Bhetnoi area are protected religiously by the local society. The belief that the presence of Blackbuck in the paddy fields brings prosperity to the local villager has contributed greatly to the conservation of this species. The villagers do not kill the animal even if it strays into the fields and grazes their crop.
Blackbucks of Balipadar-Bhetnoi: Historical Significance: The Blackbucks of Balipadar-Bhetnoi areas are protected socio-religiously by the local people for several generations. As the story goes more than a century ago, there had a long spell of drought in the locality. During this period, a small group of Blackbuck appeared in the area and then there was rain and the drought spell was broken. Since then people had started rigidly protecting these animals as they feel that their fate is linked with these Blackbuck. During 1918, a Britisher known as "Green saheb" and the 'Sardar' of the locality Sri Madeshi Chandramani Dora took initiative for protection of this species and published a notification in the Oriya news paper "Prajamitra" prohibiting killing of the Blackbuck.
Blackbucks of Balipadar-Bhetnoi: Historical Significance: The Blackbucks of Balipadar-Bhetnoi areas are protected socio-religiously by the local people for several generations. As the story goes more than a century ago, there had a long spell of drought in the locality. During this period, a small group of Blackbuck appeared in the area and then there was rain and the drought spell was broken. Since then people had started rigidly protecting these animals as they feel that their fate is linked with these Blackbuck. During 1918, a Britisher known as "Green saheb" and the 'Sardar' of the locality Sri Madeshi Chandramani Dora took initiative for protection of this species and published a notification in the Oriya news paper "Prajamitra" prohibiting killing of the Blackbuck.
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