Odisha’s blackbucks count double in 6 years

• According to figures from the latest population census released recently by the forest (wildlife) chief conservator, Odisha's blackbuck population has doubled in the last six years.
• The blackbuck is a Schedule-1 animal according to the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972 (amended in 1992) and is considered as ‘Vulnerable’ according to the Red Data Book.

• Blackbucks are found only in the Ganjam district in the southern part of the Odisha state.
• According to census figures, the antelopes numbered 7,358 with 4,196 females, 1,712 males and 1,450 young.
• The blackbuck is known in Ganjam as Krishnamriga.
• Bishnoi community of Rajasthan is known worldwide for their conservation efforts to blackbuck and Chinkara.
• It is the state animal of Andhra Pradesh, Haryana & Punjab.

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