Population Status, General Behaviour and Conservation Practices of Blackbuck [Antilope cervicapra Linneaus, 1758] At Khairapur, Bardia; Nepal.

Abstract

Population status, general behaviour and conservation practices of the last remaining wild population of endangered species of Blackbuck (Antilope cervicapra) at Khairapur, Bardia was studied by the direct observation, field survey and questionnaire method.Field research was conducted mainly from April, 2006 to July 2006 to explore thepopulation dynamics of Blackbuck, general behaviour, diurnal activity pattern, survival threats and conservation efforts being practiced at Khairapur. The total population of Blackbuck during the study period was 133 with the increase of18.04% than that of 2005 AD. The male to female sex ratio was of 1:1.29 and the average herd size was found to be of 7.64 individuals. Crude population density at Khairapur was 25.33 individuals/ Km 2 while the ecological density at core habitat was 75.14 individuals/Km 2 . The natality rate was found higher (0.84 per matured female per year) than mortality rate (0.091 per individual per year). Demographic indices indicated the increasing trend in Blackbuck population at Khairapur since 2000. The social aggregations of Blackbuck were loose-mixed herds, breeding herds, buckherds and isolated adult males. Blackbucks are the true grazers and they preferred the Cynodon dactylon,Saccharum spontaneumand Medicago denticulreon feeding. Keeneyesight, long range of vision and high speed are the defence measures of Blackbuckagainst the predators. The maternal care is of ‘stay put’ type. Blackbuck at Khairapurspent most of their timeon feeding followed by resting, walking, alert, sparring, andchasing, courtship, etc. Grazing percentage was peaked up in the early morning and lateafternoon. Loss and degradation of habitat by human encroachment, its fragmentation by a number of roads and foot trails and disturbance due to other anthropogenic activities including village dogs were the main survival threats of Blackbuck in Proposed Blackbuck Conservation Area (PBCA). Interference on foraging field and exploitation of biomass by the illegal grazing of livestock made a serious problem in the habitat. Crop depredationby the Blackbuck in the agriculture field of local people was the source of conflict between them which was high in winter and was inversely proportional to the distance of the crop field and core habitat of Blackbuck. Metallic fence on the western boundary with many holes was unable to control movement of animals. Only few artificial water holes were working but they were not in appropriate locations of habitat. Ploughing andseedling growth practices inside the PBCA were found effective to reduce the cropraiding of local people. Blackbuck conservation by the involvement of local conservation committees, Eco-clubs, NGOs and INGOs was appreciative but not sufficient. Conservation practices of Blackbuck at Khairapur were deemed over the survival threats.The major recommendations of this study are to restore, maintain and extend the existing habitat at Khairapur and to declare it as ‘Blackbuck Conservation Area’. Proper manipulation of habitat and involvement of local people in conservation and management should be given priority.