Revival of a Lost Species
Chhattisgarh Blackbuck Comeback Marks Conservation Success: After nearly five decades of local extinction, the blackbuck has made a triumphant return to Chhattisgarh. The revival effort began in 2018, led by the Chhattisgarh Forest Department at the Barnawapara Wildlife Sanctuary. Through persistent conservation actions and scientific planning, the state successfully restored the antelope’s population, signaling a major milestone in India’s wildlife protection journey.
Static GK fact: The blackbuck (Antilope cervicapra) is the state animal of Andhra Pradesh, Haryana, and Punjab, and is listed under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.
Extinction and Its Causes
Blackbucks once roamed freely across Chhattisgarh’s grasslands, but by the 1970s, habitat loss, poaching, and agricultural expansion led to their disappearance. Fragmentation of open landscapes and human encroachment deprived them of grazing areas. This ecological loss impacted the grassland ecosystem, which relies heavily on the blackbuck for balance.
Launch of the Reintroduction Project
In 2018, a reintroduction plan was executed under the Forest Department’s guidance. A total of 77 blackbucks were translocated from zoos in New Delhi and Bilaspur. Initially, these animals were housed in soft-release enclosures to adapt to the local climate and vegetation before full release into the wild. The step-by-step strategy minimized stress and improved their survival rates.
Static GK Tip: Barnawapara Wildlife Sanctuary is located in Mahasamund district, established in 1976, and covers an area of about 245 sq. km.
Conservation Measures and Early Challenges
The programme faced hurdles in its early phase, including a pneumonia outbreak that claimed several blackbucks. In response, enclosure facilities were upgraded with better drainage systems, sand flooring, and round-the-clock veterinary care. A specialized conservation monitoring team was also formed to oversee nutrition, breeding, and health assessment.
Habitat Management and Protection
Sustained efforts were made to restore native grasslands by eradicating invasive weeds and promoting native species like Rampur grass. Enhanced anti-poaching surveillance, watchtowers, and camera traps ensured safety for the released animals. Regular patrolling and local community involvement strengthened protection measures and reduced illegal hunting risks.
Present Scenario and Expansion Plans
Currently, around 190 blackbucks inhabit the sanctuary — 100 freely roaming in the wild and others awaiting release. The project’s success has encouraged the government to expand this model to other sanctuaries, including the Gomardha Wildlife Sanctuary, which has favorable grassland ecosystems.
Static GK fact: The IUCN status of the blackbuck is “Least Concern,” but the species remains legally protected in India under the Wildlife Protection Act due to localized threats.
Static Usthadian Current Affairs Table
Chhattisgarh Blackbuck Comeback Marks Conservation Success:
| Topic | Detail |
| Species revived | Blackbuck (Antilope cervicapra) |
| Project start year | 2018 |
| Initial number translocated | 77 blackbucks |
| Source locations | New Delhi Zoo, Bilaspur Zoo |
| Sanctuary involved | Barnawapara Wildlife Sanctuary |
| Current population | Around 190 |
| District | Mahasamund, Chhattisgarh |
| Expansion site | Gomardha Wildlife Sanctuary |
| IUCN Status | Least Concern |
| Legal protection | Schedule I, Wildlife Protection Act 1972 |
