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Gujarat Releases 20 Blackbucks in Kutch’s Banni Grasslands
Gujarat releases 20 blackbucks into Kutch’s Banni Grassland. The release provides for rebuilding the grassland’s native herbivore community and strengthening ecological processes.
Banni Grasslands and Blackbuck (Antilope cervicapra):
| Dimension | Key Details |
|---|---|
| Stated Ecological Rationale | The release provides for rebuilding the grassland’s native herbivore community and strengthening ecological processes. |
| Banni Grasslands: Location | It is located along the northern border of Kachchh district in the state of Gujarat. |
| Banni Grasslands: Protected Areas | The Kutch Desert Wildlife Sanctuary and Chhari Dhand Conservation Reserve are part of the Banni Grasslands. |
| Banni Grasslands: Communities | It is home to 22 ethnic groups, such as the Maldharis, the Rabaris, the Jats, the Mutwas, and the Meghwals. |
| Blackbuck: Description | It is a medium-sized, fast, diurnal antelope native to India and Nepal. |
| Blackbuck: Habitat | The blackbuck mostly lives in open grasslands, dry scrub areas, and thinly forested areas. |
| Blackbuck: Distribution (India) | It is widespread in the states of Rajasthan, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Odisha, and other areas throughout peninsular India. |
| Blackbuck: State Animal | It is the state animal of Punjab, Haryana, and Andhra Pradesh. |
| Blackbuck: IUCN Red List | Its conservation status under the IUCN Red List is Least Concerned. |
| Blackbuck: Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 | It is listed under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. |
| Blackbuck: CITES | It is listed under Appendix III of CITES. |