Sanctuary that lost all blackbucks 5 decades ago prepares to welcome 50 new arrivals in Chhattisgarh

Over five decades have passed since the Gomarda Wildlife Sanctuary in Chhattisgarh lost its final blackbuck. Now, the sanctuary is poised to host 50 new blackbucks in a gradual process over the coming week, originating from the Barnawapara Wildlife Sanctuary. The translocation has shown success over recent years, and the decision stems from factors like hunting, poaching, encroachment, and development, which caused blackbuck numbers to dwindle in the now-Chhattisgarh region.

A senior official explained that the sanctuary's population plummeted in the 1970s and remained extinct locally for over 50 years.

The 77 blackbucks that were reintroduced to Barnawapara in 2017-2018 were sourced from the National Zoological Park in New Delhi and the Kanan Pendari Zoological Garden in Bilaspur. Presently, the blackbuck count at Barnawapara stands at over 150, with the species categorized as endangered under Schedule 1 of India's Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.

Chhattisgarh State Wildlife Board's decision to relocate more blackbucks is credited to the sanctuary's favorable habitat, specifically its abundant water supply and grasslands, which make it an apt natural habitat for the species. Superintendent Krishanu Chandrakar of Barnawapara Wildlife Sanctuary anticipates a similar outcome for Gomarda Sanctuary.

O P Yadav, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, attributed the sanctuary's successful translocation to its proximity to Barnawapara, the ecosystem's suitability, and the sanctuary's rising population. He further stated that the initiative may boost wildlife tourism and employment opportunities for local communities, potentially expanding to other sanctuaries in the future.