Berhampur: The annual census of Blackbucks in Ganjam district was carried out by the wildlife wing of the Forest Department Sunday, an official source informed Monday morning.
According to the source, over 500 enumerators were divided into 110 groups. The census drive was carried out across three forest divisions of Ganjam district, namely Ghumusar South, Ghumusar North and Berhampur as well. Census of the endangered species earlier used to be conducted biannually. However, the annual census of Blackbucks was started from this year, as per government directions.
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The counting of the animals was carried out between 6.00am and 12noon by following direct-sight method. The counting process went on till Sunday evening in some places in the district.
Training was imparted at Charimaili area near Aska to the participant enumerators a day before. Forest staff, local volunteers and wildlife enthusiasts took part in the census drive, a forest official stated.
Notably, the Indian Blackbuck (Antilope Cervicapra) is one of the three species of antelopes found in Odisha. The endangered animal is locally called Krusnasara Mruga or Bali Harina. Ganjam district is the only region in the state inhabited by Blackbuck which is considered to be the fastest running animal in the world next to Cheetahs.
The last Blackbuck census in Ganjam district was carried out February 28, last year. The endangered species population was 6,875.
PNN