Conservation Status of Blackbuck (Antelope cervicapra LINNEAUS, 1758) at Khairapur, Bardia, Nepal

Abstract

The population status, seasonal habitat preference, conservation threats of Blackbuck and the crop loss by Blackbuck in marginal agricultural lands was studied in BCA at Khairapur, Bardia by direct observations, indirect observations, field survey and questionnaire method. The field research was conducted from 25 January, 2011 to 22 October, 2011.

Blackbuck (Antelope cervicapra rupicapra) is a vulnerable species and is one of the protected mammals of Nepal; lies in Appendix III of CITES. The population of Blackbuck in BCA at Khairapur, is the only single wild population of Blackbuck in Nepal which indicates that the population is more vulnerable to extinction.

A total of 264 Blackbucks were estimated during the study period with an increase of 180.85% in population of Blackbuck since1999 AD. The natality rate was estimated to be 0.84 per mature female per year and the mortality rate was 0.015 per individual per year. The sex ratio was estimated to be 1:1.64 and the average herd size was found to be 15.10 individuals. The crude population density was estimated to be 50.09 individuals / km

while the ecological density was 151.72 individuals / km 2 . It was found that block A (57.90%) was mostly preferred by Blackbuck followed by block C (23.43%) and block B (18.65%). The one-way ANOVA test concluded that the Pr value (0.033) with df 2 at 95% level of confidence (LC) signifies the significant difference in mean population distribution of Blackbuck in three different blocks, i.e alternative hypothesis was accepted. There was high significant difference in mean pellet distribution of Blackbuck in four seasons where Pr value is 0.00888 having 3 df at 99% of confidence level, so the alternative hypothesis was accepted. It was observed that the crop loss was more in SUC > DUC > RUC > BUC and the crop loss was estimated to be NRs. 2,126,260, which was a loss of NRs. 31,735.22 per household.

For the long term survival of Blackbuck in Nepal, translocation of the species and habitat management should be focused. The rotational and controlled grazing should be practiced in different blocks of the habitat as an important and effective wildlife management tool.