From Extinction to Recovery: the Case of Blackbuck Antilope Cervicapra from Nepal

Blackbuck Antilope cervicapra, which was once extinct in Nepal, has recovered back to a population from 9 to 234 in Khairapur (Krishnasaar Conservation Area) and 28 to 115 in Hirapur Phanta (Shuklaphanta National Park) by 10 September 2020. Government of Nepal declared a specific protected area Krishnasaar Conservation Area, Khairapur with electric fencing for securing the survival of the introduced population. Second population was also established in Hirapur Phanta in Shuklaphanta National Park to establish free-roaming wild population. Effective management interventions (population, habitat, health) coupled with stakeholders’ active participation, institutionalization, and extension of specific protected area dedicated for the conservation of blackbuck marked the growth of the last remaining population of the species in the seminatural habitat in Nepal. The successful recovery of the species has been attributed with the effective collaboration from all the concerned stakeholders and management interventions. Furthermore, there is equal responsibility on managing this population from genetic depression, maintain the carrying capacity of the species in the restricted fenced area. Actions complying on release in wild would suit more in near future.