Wildlife Activists Oppose Blackbuck Translocation in Odisha

Wildlife activists have raised concerns over the proposed translocation of blackbucks from Ganjam district to Puri Balukhand Wildlife Sanctuary. They argue that the move risks the blackbucks' survival and advocate for habitat improvement instead. The activists plan to request the government to reconsider the decision.

Wildlife activists have voiced strong opposition to the planned translocation of blackbucks from Ganjam district to Puri Balukhand Wildlife Sanctuary, citing significant risks to the animals' survival.

Amulya Upadhyaya, president of the Blackbuck Conservation Society, highlighted that Ganjam residents have long protected blackbucks, and moving them to a new landscape poses a grave risk. 'The risk to their survival in a new landscape is significant,' Upadhyaya said.

Blackbucks, once native to the Balukhand sanctuary, went locally extinct over the past two decades. The wildlife organisation has already relocated some blackbucks from Nandankanan to the sanctuary as part of a habitat recovery initiative. But activists insist better habitat management is needed before any further moves are made.

Upadhyaya emphasized the need for thorough studies on why blackbucks became extinct in Balukhand-Konark before any more relocations. He noted the strong sentimental attachment of Ganjam residents to blackbucks despite the crop damage they cause.

In recent years, Ganjam's blackbuck population has surged. A census by the state forest department recorded 7,743 blackbucks in January, a significant rise from 2,194 in 2011. Population estimates were 6,885 in 2020 and 7,352 in 2021.

Activists, including Krushna Gouda, propose improving habitats and tourist facilities rather than relocating the blackbucks. Gouda pointed out that visitors travel to Ganjam to view blackbucks in their natural habitat.

To halt the translocation, activists plan to meet with the state's Forest, Environment, and Climate Change Minister Ganesh Ram Singhkhuntia and other senior officials to advocate for reconsideration.