Berhampur

The blackbuck population in Odisha’s Ganjam district has recorded a sharp increase, rising by 498 animals over the past year, forest officials said on Wednesday.

According to a census conducted by the Forest Department on January 29, the total number of blackbucks in the district now stands at 9,287. This marks a steady upward trend from 8,789 in 2025, 7,273 in 2023, 7,358 in 2021 and 6,875 in 2020.

Of the current population, 5,832 are females, 2,104 males and 1,351 juveniles, officials said.

Locally known as Krushnasar Murga, the blackbuck is listed under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act and is categorised as a vulnerable species in the Red Data Book.

The highest concentration of blackbucks—5,972—was recorded in the Ghumusar South forest division, while Ghumusar North reported the lowest count at 459. Another 2,856 animals were sighted in the Berhampur forest division.

Nearly 500 participants, including wildlife experts, activists, academicians and college students, took part in the census. They were organised into 123 units to carry out the exercise across the district.

For the first time, the Forest Department also carried out experimental drone-based aerial monitoring with AI-assisted counting in select areas, said Regional Chief Conservator of Forests Vishwanath Neelannavar.

Improved habitat conditions, consistent protection by local communities and sustained conservation efforts by forest personnel have contributed significantly to the steady rise in blackbuck numbers, said Vipasha Parul, Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) of Ghumusar South.

“Locals believe that the sighting of blackbucks in paddy fields is a good omen,” said Amulya Upadhyaya, president of the Blackbuck Protection Committee, Ganjam, adding that villagers refrain from harming the animals even when they graze on and damage crops.

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Blackbucks were last sighted in the Balukhand–Konark Wildlife Sanctuary in Puri district in 2012–13 and have since disappeared from the area. The Forest Department has begun efforts to restore the species in the sanctuary through translocation. DFO of Ghumusar North Himansu Sekhar Mohanty said four blackbucks were shifted from the region to Puri last year.