Berhampur, Feb 6: The blackbuck population in Odisha’s Ganjam district has risen to 8,789, according to an official.
This figure comes from the biannual census conducted by the forest department on January 29, covering all three forest divisions in the district. In comparison, the blackbuck population was recorded at 7,745 in 2023 and 4,082 in 2018.
The latest census revealed that out of the 8,789 blackbucks, 5,241 were females, 1,765 were males, and 1,783 were young. The blackbuck is classified as a Schedule-1 species under the Wildlife (Protection) Act of 1972 (amended in 1992) and is considered vulnerable in the Red Data Book.
The highest count of blackbucks was found in the Ghumusar South division, with 5,627 individuals, while the lowest number, 404, was recorded in Ghumusar North division. Additionally, 2,758 blackbucks were reported in the Berhampur forest division, said the official.
The people in the district have been dedicated to protecting the species for years.
