Gomarda Wildlife Sanctuary to Welcome 50 Blackbucks After Five Decades

Gomarda Wildlife Sanctuary Latest News

Chhattisgarh will bring back blackbucks to Gomarda Wildlife Sanctuary after more than five decades. 

About Gomarda Wildlife Sanctuary

• It is located in Sarangarh Tehsil, Raigarh District of Chhattisgarh. 
• It was notified as a wildlife sanctuary in 1975 and takes its name from Gomarda village within its boundary.  
• It covers an area of about 278 sq.km.
• The terrain is gently undulating, with numerous boulders and rocks, unfit for cultivation. 
• The rivers Laat and Manai flow through the core area, providing a vital year-round water source for wildlife, especially through the dry summer months. 
• Flora: 
  • The vegetation is typical Tropical Dry Deciduous forest that features tall trees, bamboo patches, and open grasslands. 
  • It sustains a rich mosaic of Sal, Bija, Tendu, and bamboo forests. 
• Fauna:
  • One of the most common species spotted are the various species of deer, including spotted deer and Chinkara. 
  • Wild buffalos can be found roaming near water sources.
  • Other animals include tigers, leopards, Nilgiri, Sambars, Gaurs, Chausingha, Muntjac, Barking Deer, Wild Boar, Sloth Bear, Dhole, or the wild dog, and the jackal.  
  • Jungle Fowls, Hill Mynas, Wood Peacock, Green Pigeon, Quails, ParrotsStorks, Gray Partridges are popular species of avian fauna in the region. 

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What is Blackbuck?

• It is a medium-sized antelope belonging to the family Bovidae. 
• Scientific Name: Antilope cervicapra 
• It is the sole living member of the genus Antilope.
• Habitat and Distribution: 
  • It is native to the Indian subcontinent, with approximately 90% of its population currently found in India. 
  • It primarily inhabits open grasslands, bushlands, scrublands, and dry thorn habitats. 
  • In India, 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.
• Features:
  • Blackbucks have slender and elegant bodies. 
  • It is known for its beautiful spiraling horns.  Horns are found only in males. They are ringed at the base, twisted in a spiral with up to four turns. 
  • Males are characterised by dark coats, while females are generally lighter in colour and often lack horns. 
  • Young males and females are lighter in color, often yellowish-brown.
  • They have very good eyesight and are also very fast runners, which comprise their main defense against predators.
  • They have pointed and delicate hooves. 
  • They are gregarious and social animals with herds generally ranging from 5 to 50 animals.
• Conservation Status: 
  • IUCN Red List: Least Concerned

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