Blackbuck: UPSC Note

• The blackbuck is a species of antelope found primarily in India, as well as parts of Pakistan and Nepal.
• It is a medium-sized antelope, with males weighing up to around 55 kg and females around 35 kg.
• Blackbucks are known for their distinctive coat, which is a rich reddish-brown on the back and white on the belly and inner legs. Males also have long, twisted horns.
• They are herbivores, feeding primarily on grasses and leaves.
• Blackbucks are social animals and can be found in herds of up to 50 individuals.
• The species has faced numerous threats in recent years, including habitat loss, hunting, and poaching.
• In India, the blackbuck is considered a protected species under the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972. Hunting, poaching, or trading in blackbuck is illegal and can result in significant fines or imprisonment.
• Despite these protections, blackbucks are still facing threats from habitat destruction, vehicle collisions, and poaching.
• Conservation efforts are underway to protect the remaining populations of blackbucks, including habitat restoration and captive breeding programs.

• The Blackbuck National Park, Velavadar, in Gujarat is one of the largest habitats of blackbucks in India. It is also home to other wildlife species like wolves, hyenas, and Indian foxes.
• The Tal Chhapar Wildlife Sanctuary in Rajasthan is another important habitat for blackbucks, as well as a variety of bird species.
• The Sariska Wildlife Sanctuary in Rajasthan is home to a population of blackbucks, as well as tigers, leopards, and other animals.
• The Great Indian Bustard Sanctuary in Maharashtra is a conservation area for the critically endangered great Indian bustard, as well as blackbucks and other wildlife species.
• The Krishna Wildlife Sanctuary in Andhra Pradesh is another important habitat for blackbucks, as well as chinkaras and other wildlife.
• The Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary in Tamil Nadu is home to a variety of wildlife, including blackbucks, Indian elephants, and tigers.
• The Bandhavgarh National Park in Madhya Pradesh is another important habitat for blackbucks, as well as a variety of other wildlife species.

1. Andhra Pradesh
2. Haryana

Both these states have recognized the importance and significance of the Blackbuck and have declared it as their state animal. The Blackbuck is an important part of the natural heritage of these states and has been given protection under the Wildlife Protection Act to ensure their survival and conservation.

1. Andhra Pradesh – Blackbuck
2. Arunachal Pradesh – Mithun
3. Assam – One-horned Rhinoceros
4. Bihar – Gaur
5. Goa – Gaur
6. Gujarat – Asiatic Lion
7. Haryana – Blackbuck
8. Himachal Pradesh – Snow Leopard
9. Jharkhand – Elephant
10. Karnataka – Indian Elephant
11. Kerala – Indian Elephant
12. Madhya Pradesh – Barasingha
13. Maharashtra – Indian Giant Squirrel
14. Manipur – Sangai Deer
15. Meghalaya – Clouded Leopard
16. Mizoram – Serow
17. Nagaland – Goral
18. Odisha – Sambar Deer
19. Punjab – Blackbuck
20. Rajasthan – Camel
21. Sikkim – Red Panda
22. Tamil Nadu – Nilgiri Tahr
23. Telangana – Spotted Deer
24. Tripura – Phayre’s Langur
25. Uttar Pradesh – Barasingha
26. Uttarakhand – Alpine Musk Deer
27. West Bengal – Fishing Cat