Odisha’s Ganjam district has witnessed a remarkable increase in its blackbuck population, rising by 1,044 in two years, bringing the total count to 8,789 as per the latest biannual census conducted by the Forest Department on January 29, 2025. This growth reflects the success of conservation efforts and community involvement in protecting the species. The blackbuck population in Ganjam was estimated at 7,745 in 2023 and significantly lower at 4,082 in 2018. The latest census data indicates a healthy demographic distribution, with 5,241 females, 1,765 males, and 1,783 young.
Ganjam is the only habitat of blackbucks in Odisha. The local communities have played a crucial role in protecting these Schedule-1 animals, listed as vulnerable in the Red Data Book. The people of Ganjam consider blackbucks sacred and believe their sighting in paddy fields brings good fortune. This religious and cultural connection has significantly contributed to their conservation. Ghumusar South division recorded the highest number of blackbucks at 5,627. Berhampur forest division accounted for 2,758.
Ghumusar North division had the lowest count at 404.
Historically, blackbucks were found in the Balukhand-Konark Wildlife Sanctuary (Puri) but disappeared from the area after 2012-13. To restore their presence, the Odisha Forest Department has started translocating blackbucks from Ganjam to Puri, where they are currently overcrowded. Recently, four blackbucks (three females and one male) were relocated, and another four will be translocated soon.
Odisha’s Ganjam district has witnessed a remarkable increase in its blackbuck population, rising by 1,044 in two years, bringing the total count to 8,789 as per the latest biannual census conducted by the Forest Department on January 29, 2025. This growth reflects the success of conservation efforts and community involvement in protecting the species. The blackbuck population in Ganjam was estimated at 7,745 in 2023 and significantly lower at 4,082 in 2018. The latest census data indicates a healthy demographic distribution, with 5,241 females, 1,765 males, and 1,783 young.
Ganjam is the only habitat of blackbucks in Odisha. The local communities have played a crucial role in protecting these Schedule-1 animals, listed as vulnerable in the Red Data Book. The people of Ganjam consider blackbucks sacred and believe their sighting in paddy fields brings good fortune. This religious and cultural connection has significantly contributed to their conservation. Ghumusar South division recorded the highest number of blackbucks at 5,627. Berhampur forest division accounted for 2,758.
Ghumusar North division had the lowest count at 404.
Historically, blackbucks were found in the Balukhand-Konark Wildlife Sanctuary (Puri) but disappeared from the area after 2012-13. To restore their presence, the Odisha Forest Department has started translocating blackbucks from Ganjam to Puri, where they are currently overcrowded. Recently, four blackbucks (three females and one male) were relocated, and another four will be translocated soon.
