Antelopes and Gazelles: Distribution and Population Status in Gujarat, India

Abstract

Fauna of the western part of the country, including Gujarat has similarity with animals belonging to Ethiopian and Palaearctic realms, but animals from Oriental Realm also occur in the State. Blackbuck, Chinkara (Indian Gazelle), Bluebull and Fourhorned Antelope, belonging to subfamily Anttilopinae, are found in the Indian plateau, and all these four species also occur in Gujarat. Saurashtra and Kutch were known as land of Antelopes and Gazelle in India as all four species were found in good number in the region. Scenario changed after independence. Loss of habitat and hunting were main causes for decline of population of the Antelopes, three decades ago. Trend reversed after implementation of conservation measures and population of Blackbuck and Bluebull increased manifold in some areas, causing problems to farmers. Decline of Chinkara population also halted in some areas as they got suitable habitats in the Protected Areas. Scenario is different for Fourhorned Antelope as this species has low population in fragmented habitat. Thus, to protect this animal, it is necessary to check degradation of its habitats and to control poaching by tribals in the forests.