Assessing the Population Dynamics of Blackbuck, Its Habitat Condition and Peoples Interation in Blackbuck Conservation Area, Khairapur Nepal

Blackbuck, locally known as ‘Krishnasaar’ is a medium sized antelope, is an endangered species in the natural habitats of India, Nepal and Pakistan. The IUCN Red list has listed this animal as near threatened with stable population trend and is included in Appendix III of the CITES. Such study is limited in Nepal, thus this research was objectively carried out to assess the distribution and population status, food preference and people’s perception about the management of Black buck. The Blackbuck Conservation Area, Gulariya Bardia Nepal was selected as the study site. A preliminary survey, 43 household survey and discussion with 8 key informants were conducted to collect the primary data of the area regarding the threats of Blackbuck and its habitat management issues. Total 55 quadrats having 1m *1m was used to identify the short grass and other low growing vegetation. The analysis was done to show the feeding grass preferences of Blackbuck. Secondary data were collected from the reports of BCA, DNPWC reports etc. A large fluctuation in the population of blackbuck was recorded in Khairapur. Statistical comparison was done using ANOVA, Turkey B test and Chi-square. The result showed that, Its number increased gradually from 11 to 190 in between 1975 to 1988. The present population of Blackbuck in BCA is 241. Altogether 30 species of grasses were recorded in the month of November-December in which the undesirable and unwanted species like Imperatacy lindrica, Casia tora (Tapre) and Ageretum conyzoides were abundant than the preferred grass species particularly, Cynodon dactylon, Bothrio chloabhadhii, Youngia japonica, Echino chloacolona etc. Predation by Leopard, Hyena and attack of Stray dogs were the major threats of Blackbuck inside BCA. The disastrous flood of Babai River inside the Blackbuck habitat was also the threat for Blackbuck. The Chi-square test showed that people perception towards proper management of Blackbuck habitat is significantly different at 5% level of significance. This study will be useful for wildlife experts.

Keywords: Blackbuck, Threats, Habitat Condition, grass preference, Conservation.