Few weeks back I had got an opportunity to work on Food and Feeding behavior of Black Buck /Krishnasar (Antelope cervicapra) on which one of my senior sister was working. I have keen interest on wildlife and I am to glad that I got this opportunity. Today I am going to share about the study and its findings in different sections:-
Introduction:-
   The Blackbuck (Antelope cervicapra) is  protected (NPWC Act 1973) and vulnerable (IUCN)  specie and is listed in the Appendix III (CITES).The Blackbuck is historically native to the parts of India, Nepal, Pakistan, widespread across the entire subcontinent of India (Csurhes and Fisher 2010).The natural habitat of   Blackbuck is only mid-eastern region of Khairapur , Bardiya District, Nepal in open habitats especially on adjoining cultivation crops. Currently, there are 241 individuals (Source: BCA 2015).The main threat to the survival of Blackbuck is loss and degradation of its habitat and other threats are poaching, predation, competition for grazing with domestic cattle, lack of food, human disturbances, poor fencing and diseases e.g. Pneumonia in the fawn (Khanal, 2000).Only few studies has been carried out in Blackbuck population, it?s behavior, ecology, which were not adequate to address for long term conservation this species. Invasive species has invaded the area and replaced the palatable species. Hence, proper habitat management is essential to maintain the balanced diet of Blackbuck. With increasing in their number but absence of preferred grass species Blackbuck are moving towards the agricultural field for the food which creates conflict between the local people and the conservation sites.So, this study was necessary to provide data about preferred grass species in sufficient quantity within the area.
objectives: - The general objective was to identify the plant species consumed by Blackbuck and their feeding habits in different seasons in BCA, Khairapur.Whereas the specific objectives were to assess the feeding habits of Blackbuck, to appraise the diet composition of black buck through fecal analysis and to evaluate seasonal variation in food habits.
Methodology:-
    The data were collected through preliminary survey, dropping collections,direct observation,vegetation survey. There after permanent slides of vegetation were prepared and fecal were tested through micro histological examination and compared at the laborotary.The secondary data were taken from National Trust for Nature conservation-Black Buck Conservatina area office, published and unpublished literature,journals,internet surfing and books. Data were then analyzed using different standard formulas.
Result: -
  This study showed that Black Bucks (BB) was found grazing mostly in the winter than in rainy season. The different vegetations found in winter and rainy season are in the pictures below:-

Also Important value Index (IVI) was calculated. Imperata cylindrica had the highest IVI followed by tinpate, janewa, dubo etc.

Conclusion: -
  BB's spend most of their time grazing. The seasonal variation in food during rainy and winter season is nominal.However, female resting was prominent in March-April as it's the mating season of BB's. The reference slide and sample slides of the fecal matched thus providing their winter and rainy feeds data.

Recommendations:-
1.Extend the grassland area for equal distribution of blackbuck over the BCA area and also to reduce grazing pressure in particular area.

2. Blackbuck congregated only on the far- western region i.e. Khairapur. There may be chances of collapsing population by predator, diseases or other casualties. Therefore, it is necessary to study on the habitat suitability for blackbuck extension area or other part of the country and their possible translocation.

3. Day by day invasive species are invading the preferred grasses species in BCA. Hence, it is necessary to pay more attention towards the controlling them.
  Such studies are very essential as they help a lot to give way out to proper management and conservation of the species further. I am thankful to Apsara Gautam sister for giving me this knowledge and skill gaining opportunity. And as today is Valentine's Day I would like to request you all to spread love to the nature and most importantly to those innocent animals all around the globe.