A Survey of the Abundance, Population Structure, and Distribution of Blackbuck (Antilope Cervicapra) using Day Ground Surveys in Berhampur Forest Division, Area, Odisha

Abstract

The major increase in blackbuck population has been observed in Berhampur Forest Division of Ganjam district, where the forest department data suggest that population has increased from 1020 in 2015 to 2325 in 2018 . The population growth of blackbuck in three forest division of Ganjam district was highest in Berhampur Forest Division, followed by Gumshur North Division which may be due to the availability of good habitat and protection from the local people. In some areas, the population has increased so much that the Blackbuck has become an agricultural pest