From the long twirling horns and turbo runner among other antelopes (swift running deer like ruminant) which introduced the Charismatic Profile of Blackbuck. Total 135 antelope species extant in the world, Blackbuck with its Zoological name: Antelope cervicapra is one which is endemic to Indian Sub-Continent including Nepal, Pakistan and India. 

They are herbivorous mammal which primarily elect the habitat comprising of open grassland and reveal manifest sexual dimorphism where males are designated by large twirling horns. Horns are usually absent in females and the gestation period of about 5-6 months to produce a single offspring at a time, rarely two.

Khairapur also prominent for Blackbuck Conservation Area situated in the Mid- Western Nepal of Bardia District and was established in 2009 with the intent to conserve this nationally endangered species. It covers an area of 16.95 sq. km. Latest census conducted by DNPWC, Nepal (Department of National Park and Wildlife Conservation Nepal) reported the presence of 191 Blackbucks. Besides Blackbuck, this conservation area also the habitat for other variety of   Wild species like: Hyaena, Asiatic Rock Python and Golden Monitor Lizard.

Apart from Khairapur, the natural conservation spot; the Blackbucks have been recently translocated to Hirapur Phanta of Shuklaphanta National Park, Kanchanpur. Some individuals are captive in the Kathmandu Central Zoo, Nepalgunj Mini Zoo and in semi-captive enclosure in Mrigasthali Kathmandu.

The International Union for the Conservation of the Nature (IUCN) has listed this species as Least Concern but it is the Critically Endangered species, according to the National Red Series of Nepal, 2011. In addition, The Department of National Park and Wildlife Conservation Nepal (DNPWC Nepal) has categorized Blackbuck as a priority protected Species.

There are several plights that pushes this glamorous creature towards the brink:

* Land Encroachment and unmanaged grazing of Livestock's that leads to habitat loss and degradation.

*High Predations like Dogs, Leopards, hyaenas & Human- Blackbuck Conflicts.

*Weak Enforcement of Rules & Regulations, Scant Conservation Awareness and Poor Infrastructures inside Conservation Area for its Management.

*Climate induced Disasters, High flood in Babai Valley drowned about 40 individuals of Khairapur Conservation Area in 2014 AD.

Blackbucks have their own crucial Ecological role in Grassland Ecosystem. Henceforth, they should be given prior conservation and research attention. Strengthening necessary conservation and management plans are the finest way to mitigate all these threats regarding this species.

I am always grateful to Mr. Lalit Chand Thakuri: my close pal for providing  the contemporary data of the species and the alluring photos!

 References and information sources:

*Gorkhapatra Online.com, Lalit Chand Thakuri: August for Antelope. PRINT EDITION: August 25, 2019

 *Jnawali, S.R., H.S. Baral, S. Lee, N. Subedi, K.P. Acharya, G.P. Upadhyay, M. Pandey, R. Shrestha,D. Joshi, B.R. Lamichhane, J. Griffiths, A. Khatiwada and R. Amin (compilers). 2011. The Status of Nepal's Mammals: The National Red List Series.  Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation, Kathmandu, Nepal.

*DNPWC, 2074. Conservation Area of Nepal , Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation, Kathmandu, Nepal.