Second Home for Majestic Blackbucks in Odisha Showcases Impact of Collective Action

S Odisha steps up its blackbuck conservation efforts; the Jagannath Prasad area in Ganjam district has emerged as the second-largest habitat for the majestic creature, strengthening the state's initiatives and showcasing the impact of community involvement in wildlife management.

- SUDARSAN MAHARANA @Bhubaneswar

Part of Ghumsur North Division, Jagannath Prasad is now home to over 400 blackbucks, the second biggest after Bhetnoi. However, what excites forest officials even more is the consistent increase in their population over the years.

Officials of the division said the blackbuck population in Jagannath Prasad saw an initial count of 168 in 2015, which rose to 301 in 2020. The number further increased to 350 in 2023 and an impressive 404 in 2025.

"The steady growth highlights the success of conservation measures and community engagement in protecting the wildlife species and their habitat in the region," said Ghumsur North Divisional Forest Officer Himanshu Sekhar Mohanty. The local communities in Jagannath Prasad are actively contributing to the protection of the species.

Remarkable community-driven efforts have been observed around Tanarada-Nuagaon and other nearby villages of the region, where villagers have voluntarily left portions of their cultivated land fallow, he said. "Previously a horticulture hub with extensive vegetable, maize, and paddy cultivation, this area has now become a suitable habitat for blackbucks. By allowing wild grass and fodder plants to grow, the local villagers are helping create a natural environment conducive to blackbuck survival and the presence of other wildlife species," Mohanty said.