Bhubaneswar : In a significant move to bolster wildlife conservation, the Balukhand-Konark Wildlife Sanctuary has received 13 blackbucks from the Nandankanan Zoological Park. This translocation is part of an ongoing effort by the Odisha government to reintroduce the species, locally known as ‘Krushnasara’, which had become extinct in the sanctuary.
The blackbucks were transported on Wednesday night and are currently under quarantine, receiving regular health checks and proper care before their release into the sanctuary. This initiative follows a similar translocation in June, where 10 blackbucks were successfully introduced to the sanctuary.
Located along the Puri-Konark Marine Drive, the Balukhand-Konark Wildlife Sanctuary is renowned for its diverse flora and fauna, including spotted deer, sandy beaches, casuarina trees, and cashew plantations1. The reintroduction of blackbucks aims to restore the ecological balance and enhance biodiversity in the region.
The Odisha Forest Department plans to continue these efforts, with more blackbucks expected to be translocated from overpopulated areas like Ganjam. This proactive approach underscores the state’s commitment to wildlife conservation and the preservation of endangered species.
