Distribution Patterns and Habitat Requirements of Blackbuck in Vallanadu Blackbuck Sanctuary: Implications for Conservation and Management

Abstract

Blackbuck are the only endemic antelope of India and occur patchily across the subcontinent. In Vallanadu they are confined to a small hillock over grown with dense thorny scrub which is not conducive for them. In this study we attempt to identify factors that would facilitate persistence of the species in the sanctuary and in the surrounding landscape. We did a spatial mapping of herbivores, carnivores, water resources, and presence of exotic plant species across two seasons. Blackbuck was largely found along the eastern boundary of the sanctuary and in the grassland habitats outside the reserve. No major predators of blackbuck were found but free ranging dogs were common and were noticed predating on smaller animals. Feral livestock outnumber all herbivores and are a major competitor with wild herbivores for forage and water in the sanctuary. There are no perennial water sources inside the sanctuary and Blackbuck depend on water available outside the reserve.