Population Status, Habitat Preferences and Crop Depredation by Blackbuck (Antilope Cervicapra, Linneaus 1758) in Blackbuck Conservation Area (BCA), Nepal

Abstract

Population status, habitat preferences and crop depredation by Blackbuck (Antilope cervicapra, Linneaus 1758) which is one of the protected mammals of Nepal known as Krishnasar, inhabits in semi-arid open habitat with grassland in Blackbuck Conservation Area (BCA) Nepal was done from January-May, 2018. Study was studied by using direct observation and questionnaire methods by using some simple instrument like GPS, camera, binoculars and measuring tape. In the area of 5.25 km 2 , maximum (253) Blackbucks were recorded in winter season and 240 were recorded in summer season. The ecological and crude density in winter was found to be 142.93 individuals / km and 48.19 individuals / km; respectively. Similarly, it was 135.59 individuals / km and 45.71 individuals / km 2 in summer. Male to female sex ratio was 1:1.67 and 1:2.05 in summer and winter; respectively. The average herd size of 17.14 individuals was recorded on 14 herds during the summer. Similarly, 17 herds were in winter with average 14.88 individuals during the winter. Total Pellets were recorded in 24 spots throughout the study period inside the BCA, Khairapur of which maximum 37.5% were recorded in block A, 33.33% in D, 25% in E and remaining 4.17% in block F. In this study, 23 species of flora from 14 different families were recorded of which, 13 species were herbs, 4 species shrubs and 6 species trees. Perennial grasses like Cynodon dactylon and Imperata cylindrica was dominated. Block A was most preferred followed by block D, E and F. Crop loss by Blackbuck was observed mostly in summer season. The mostly depredated crops were lentils, followed by mustard, vegetable in winter whereas paddy in summer. Estimated crop loss was $2920.45 per annum in both seasons. Blackbuck was the most encountered wildlife in the field that caused most of the damage to the crops. 78% farmers found that Blackbucks were active in the fields at nights for crop depredation, and 22% specify that Blackbucks raided their fields at daytime. Some commonly used methods were shouting and using noise making tools as clappers and drums, scaring device like scarecrow, guarding at nights, using fire and electric lights in the fields and throwing stones and, Machen forming.