Blackbuck : Population declined
Wildlife officials admit that the population of black bucks has declined sharply over the years in the Abohar Wildlife Sanctuary, Punjab.
- Blackbuck is a species of antelope native to India and Nepal.
- Scientific Name: Antilope cervicapra
- It is widespread in the states of Rajasthan, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Odisha, and other areas throughout peninsular India.
- It has been declared as the state animal by the governments of Punjab, Haryana, and Andhra Pradesh.
- The blackbuck mostly lives in open grasslands, dry scrub areas, and thinly forested areas.
- They are covered with dark brown or black, sleek fur. The chest, belly, muzzle, and chin of the males are covered in white fur.
- The eyes of the males are covered in white rings.
- They have very good eyesight and are also very fast runners, which comprise its main defense against predators.
- Conservation status: IUCN Red List: Least concerned
- Wildlife Protection Act of 1972: Schedule I
- CITES: Appendix III
