World Journal of Zoology 12 (3): 53-59, 2017 ISSN 1817-3098 IDOSI Publications, 2017 DOI: 10.5829/idosi.wjz.2017.53.59 Population Characteristics, Habitat Availability, Forage Preferences and Threats to the Blackbuck Antilope cervicapra (Linn) in the Sorsan Region of Baran, Rajasthan 1 2 1 R. Meena, R.P. Saran and V. Chourasia 1 Department of Zoology, Government College, Kota, India 2 Department of Zoology, Jai Narain Vyas University, Jodhpur, India Abstract: Sorsan is hunting prohibited and protected area located in Anta tehsil of Baran district of Rajasthan. It is ideal habitat for blackbuck. The presence of blackbuck in region indicates the good health of an ecosystem. Due to increased urbanization, rising human population and eco-transformations had enhanced great pressure on the population of black buck. The land use pattern variations over past few decades have alarmingly altered the environment for all the inhabitants. Human-wildlife conflict is one of the major threats to the survival of many wildlife species. The present study deals with the population characteristics, habitat, forage preference and major risk factor limiting the population of Blackbuck (Antelope cervicapra) in study area. The research suggest that conservation plans should include local people with an ample flow of benefits to them united with active management initiatives from the forest departments including management of habitats outside protected areas and allowing animal movement across regions by maintaining functional corridors. Key words: Antelope Behavior Blackbuck Conservation Habitat Fragmentation Sorsan INTRODUCTION meeting the 30% decline figure over ten years that would be suitable for Vulnerable under criterion A3c. The IUCN Blackbuck (Antelope cervicapra) is a graceful, Red list has listed this animal in Near threatened gazelle-like animal, considered as the most handsome category [2, 3]. member of the Bovidae family. It is endemic to the South Asian sub-continent where it is the only The systematic position of blackbuck is: representative of the genus Antelope and was once the most abundant wild animals of this region. Previously Kingdom: Animalia blackbuck population distributed through the whole of Phylum: Chordata th the Indian subcontinent but during 20 century its Sub-phylum: Vertebrata population declined abruptly and they are now almost Class: Mammalia extinct in Bangladesh, Nepal and Pakistan. Attempts of Subclass: Theria their restoration have been taken in Pakistan and Nepal Infraclass: Eutheria [1]. Order: Artiodactyla Over last hundred years the range and numbers of Family: Bovidae blackbucks have declined. More recent report suggest Subfamily: Antelopinae that, numbers is marginally increasing and the population Genus: Antelope can be reasonably described as secure due to increase in Species: Antelope cervicapra protected areas and better conservation policies in some places. However, Blackbuck habitat is continuously Sub species or geographic races include [4]: decreasing due to increase in human population, Antilope cervicapra cervicapra increasing numbers of domestic livestock and agro- Antilope cervicapra rajputanae economic development. The habitat available is Antilope cervicapra centralis decreasing and the species is projected to be close to Antilope cervicapra rupicapra Corresponding Author: R. Meena, Department of Zoology, Government College, Kota (Rajasthan), India. 53
Blackbuck is an animal of the open, flat to some concentration of urea in their urine and reabsorb water extent undulating landscape. It is in greatest abundance from their feces. It has a high-intensity grazing peak in areas covered with thorn and dry deciduous forest. during the early morning hours when all individuals are on Blackbuck requires water regularly, which restricts its their feet and intently graze with very slow movement [17]. distribution, to only those areas where surface water is Brashares and Arcese reported that habitat structure available almost throughout the year. It is easily adaptable is thought to influence group size by affecting the degree to wastelands, marginal agricultural fields and cultivated to which grouping can provide anti-predation benefits areas. Blackbucks are principally grazers and mainly [18]. According to Jethva and Jhala, the Indian peninsular forage in small area, but in summer may migrate to long wolf, Canis lupus pallipes is currently the main predator distances for search of water and food [5]. Strong of adult blackbuck in relatively natural semi-arid habitats eyesight and speed are the primary defense features of together with the golden jackal (Canis aureus),which is blackbuck against predators. Blackbucks are mainly active the main predator of blackbuck calves [19]. during the day and for most of the times live in small Priyadarshini recorded that blackbuck give birth to a herds of around twenty to thirty. Generally, herds consist single calf and can calve throughout the year. Adult sex of females and infantile with a single dominant male. It has ratio is strongly female biased [20]. Skalski et al. reported imperative ecological roles in grassland ecosystem [6]. that male blackbuck show a steeper decline in survivorship than do females. Differences in lifespan Literature Review: The blackbuck is a medium-sized between males and females and a mortality peak among antelope native to the Indian subcontinent. Earlier studies prime-aged males are thought to be driven by sex by different workers were on the general habits, differences in the intensity of sexual selection [21]. distribution, status and behavior of blackbuck. Blackbuck show two broad types of mating systems: Dharamakumarsinghji and Gaikwad emphasized the ethical resource-based territoriality and lek territoriality [22]. importance of blackbuck associating it with classical Isvaran reported that forage abundance was Indian Ragas like the Bhimpalasi and Todi [7]. Although positively related to group size suggesting that where blackbucks are found in wide range of habitat but forage is low, the costs of competing for forage outweigh according to Jarman it attains greatest densities in semi- any anti-predation benefits, favoring smaller group sizes arid grasslands [8]. Caughley observed that populations [23, 24]. Study of Davis etal, over the past five decades of blackbuck fluctuate largely in response to catastrophic have clearly documented the influence of ecological events as floods and droughts [9]. Mungall described conditions on behavior [25]. Jadeja et al. [26]suggests four species of Antilope cervicapra according to the coat, that blackbuck through their extreme mating strategies color, length and the shape of the horn with distribution. have the potential to modify the structure of their habitat They are; Antilope cervicapra cervicapra (South India), and the distribution of resource, which in turn, may A. cervicapra centralis (Central India), A. cervicapra influence their behavior and ecology. rupicapra (North India and Nepal) and A. cervicapra A study by Isvaran and Ponkshe at a lekking rajputane (North-West India and Pakistan) [10]. blackbuck population found evidence to indicate that According to Sharma social organization of blackbuck may aid in the spread of P. juliflora and blackbuck is highly variable and appears to be strongly facilitate the conversion of grassland into woodland [27]. influenced by habitat [11]. Prasad reported that blackbuck Bowyer et al reported that blackbuck show high fecundity mating territoriality varies from solitary dispersed and populations can respond quickly to stochastic events territories to tightly clustered classical leks [12]. Oza has that cause high mortality [28]. Jhala and Isvaran recently the opinion that due to the community conservation investigated the social organisation and mating system of efforts, the blackbuck (Antilope cervicapra) and the blackbuck and the influence of density and the habitat on Indian gazelle (Gazella gazella) are seen along with social and mating behavior [29]. human habitations near the agricultural fields [13]. Hofmann reported that blackbuck can thrive on a low- MATERIALS AND METHODS quality forage source i.e. grasses [14]. Jhala reported that blackbuck prefer short grasslands (<50 cm) and avoid Study Area: Sorsan is hunting prohibited and protected wooded habitats and tall grasslands [15, 16]. Blackbucks area, known for conservation of blackbuck. It is have evolved mechanisms for water conservation and located in Anta tehsil of Baran district of Rajasthan. when deprived of water, they can increase the The protected area spreads between Amalsara and Sorsan 54
Fig. 1: Map of study area village. It stretches over 35 sq. kms. between right main persistent surface water. For the present canal of the Chambal and the Parvan river (Figure 1). It is investigation, study sites were selected in different 50 km east of Kota (25.00-25.8 N, 76.12-76.18 E) having regions of Sorsan grassland differing in habitat scrubby vegetation and numerous small water bodies, types and vegetation composition (Sorsan A, which harbour amazing varieties of birds as well as Sorsan B and Amalsara). Abundance of other animals. sympatric animals and trees during investigation period In this area hunting, poaching and capturing of was recorded. animals is not allowed. This place was used as pasture and illegal mining was common but due to protection, now Assessment of Forage Availability and Preference: this habitat is conserved to larger extent. During Forage preference was determined by a careful monsoons, the grass and vegetative cover becomes an examination of feeding sites. To estimate grass ideal habitat for black buck, gazelle and birds. frequency, density, richness and diversity, quadrilateral plots was selected and record of grass Examination of the Population Characteristics of species, number of grass, grass height etc. was Blackbuck: During the present investigation, road maintained. transects around selected sites were followed to collect preliminary information on the trends of the blackbuck Assessment of Predation, Habitat Fragmentation and population and threats which can shrink their population. Human-blackbuck Conflict: Selective predation by Each road transect was monitored in the morning and wolves appears to be important in shaping evening hours following methodology by Khan et al. [30]. blackbuck population structure. Additionally, A field binoculars and mobile based GPS were used combined predation by feral dogs, jackals and throughout the study for observation of the study animal wolves, especially on calves, likely regulates in the field. Photographs of blackbucks were taken using blackbuck populations. Due to the encroachment of high resolution camera. wildlife habitat by human there is always a conflict between the humans and wild animals. In Sorsan the Documentation of Habitat: Blackbucks are adapted to blackbuck has come into direct conflict with human by survive on short grassland systems but are restricted destroying the agriculture and they also compete with in their distribution by the accessibility of domestic cattle for grazing. 55
Fig. 2: Antelope cervicapra -Adult male Fig. 3: Antelope cervicapra Adult female Fig. 4: Group of Antelope cervicapra Fig. 5: Female Antelope cervicapra with calf RESULTS AND DISCUSSION Grouping seems to reduce the risk of predation because it was observed that often solitary/isolated Population Characteristics of Blackbuck: Black buck blackbuck often becomes a prey for predators. Females exhibit pronounced sexual dimorphism. Males are easily with very young calves always remain in their proximity distinguished by their large spiraling horns, which can and do not allow exposure of calves to predators reach 70-80 cm long (Figure 2). Females and juveniles are (Figure 5). Few males, mainly territorial could be seen yellowish on their back and head and are generally have solitary but actually it is also only at small distance from small or no horns (Figure 3). Both sexes have white under a group. parts, including the insides of the legs and lower chest, as well as a white ring surrounding the eye and a white chin Documentation of Habitat: The Selected habitat has a dry (Figure 4). Ecologically blackbucks are grazer and prefer climate except in the monsoon seasons (Figure 1). The open area such as grassland and shows extraordinary winter season spreads from end of November to mid of kind of social organization and behavior. Adult male February and summer season spans from mid of March to blackbucks (Figure 2) are territorial and occupy large end of June. The period from end of June to mid of territory marked by urination-defecation spot or rubbing September is the monsoon season followed by the the ground, bushes and trees. The female blackbuck months October to mid of November constitutes the post requires tall grass or small bushes to delivers calf (mostly monsoon or the retreating monsoon. The average rainfall one per year). The blackbuck calfs are quite weak during in the district is 824.31 mm. January is the coldest month the first few weeks and can be easily predated by dogs. with the average daily maximum temperature of 24 C and In study area typical group size ranges from 5 to 20 the average daily minimum temperature of 10 C. (Figure 4). The overall mean group size of blackbuck was found to be 6.15 ± 1.24 S.E. across the three selected Faunal Composition of the study area: Besides the habitat of Sorsan region. Herds are mainly composed of blackbuck various mammalian species are found in sorsan adult female and male in ratio of 3:1. Many herds were region including wolf (Canis lupus), langur spotted without any adult male. The numbers of calfs (Semenopethicus entellus), Jackal (Canis aurius) and were very less. small Indian civet (Vivericula indica). Some other species 56
of mammal present are namely Hare (Lepus nigricolis), opportunity for feral dogs to kill infantile as well as adult Squirrel (Funambulus palmarum) and species of rodents. blackbuck. The predation by feral dogs is also very high Reptilian fauna like Chameleon (Chameleon zeylanicus) especially of calf during breeding period. and Snakes like Cobra (Cobra cobra), Krait (Bungarus caeruleus) and Rat snake (Ptyas molurus) are commonly Human-Blackbuck Conflict: Conflict amid local people found in this region. and wildlife is one of the main threats to the continued During monsoon season insects are very abundant survival of many species in different regions of the world, in Sorsan region, which attracts many birds, including including threat to local blackbuck population in study orioles, quails, partridges, robins, weavers and waterfowl area. such as bar-headed and greylag geese, common pochards, teals and pintails. Flocks of immigrants, such as Habitat Fragmentation: Roads are increasingly common warblers, flycatchers, larks, starlings and rosy pastors can in today's world as human development expands and be seen during winter season. Animals like Gazelle, people increasingly rely on bus, car and trucks for blackbuck, fox, wolf, wild cat and many others can be transportation on a daily basis. Traffic on road of Sorsan easily spotted in this area region is gradually increasing which is upcoming threat. When blackbuck crosses roads, they are exposed to Floral Composition of the Study Area: The major vehicles and mortality is often the result. In fact, road plant/tree species of this area characterized by Babul mortality is the leading source of mortality to many (Acacia nilotica), Banyan (Ficus bengalensis), Bel wildlife populations including blackbuck. In addition to (Aegle marmelos, Baheda (Terminalia bellirica, Jaal causing direct mortality, roads latter or sooner will lead to (Salvadora persica), Kalihari (Gloriosa superba), Pipal habitat fragmentation which will further shrink the (Ficus relgiosa), Neem (Azardicta indica), Safed population of blackbucks. Shisham (Dalbergia latifolia), Siris (Albizzia lebbek), Ziziphus (Ziziphus jujuba) etc. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION Forage Availability and Preference: Blackbucks choose Ecological studies are crucial for conservation of short grasslands and avoid tall grasslands and wooded vulnerable animal as well as create positive impression habitats [15]. Blackbuck diet primarily consists of grasses among local people towards its conservation. In India, and therefore, there is profound seasonality in its there is no specific definition for a protected area; any nutritional ecology. During monsoon high quality grasses area that is considered by the central government or state can be seen in agricultural land and water resource areas government to be important for conservation is nominated of sorsan. The most common grasses include Cynodon a status under the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972 and is dactylon, Cynodon barberi, Cyperus rotendus, Celosia then legally considered a protected area. Outside the argentea, penicum sps, Borreria hispida, Paspalum protected area the condition is frightening, since most of scrobiculatum, Commelina benghalensis etc. The the wild populations like Chinkara and black buck grasses are good source of carbohydrates and proteins. accidently move out of forests are falling prey to local The ruminant helps in converting cellulose of ingested people or poachers. plant material into short chain fatty acids which is Blackbucks have vanished from many zones due to energetic material as food. But as winter proceeds above habitat destruction [31, 32]. Main reason for habitat ground grass parts lose nutritive quality rapidly. In destruction is conversion of their habitat to agricultural summer, the availability of grasses is negligible and black use. Although in some cases they are increasing in buck are forced to thrive on hard shrubs which are less protected areas and sacred grooves of Rajasthan and digestable and protein content in them is too low. Haryana [33]. Exceptionally in some areas, the population has increased so much that the Blackbuck has become a Predation Pressure: The main predator of adult black worry in farmer fields [2, 34]. buck in Indian peninsular is wolf (Canis lupus pallipes) In current scenario, it is utmost important to draw a and golden jackal (Canis aureus), is also the main long term management plan for the fulfillment of the need predator of blackbuck calves. In investigated area the of both human and the blackbuck for their continued cowolf, fox and jackal are major threats to blackbuck. In rainy existence. It will help to prepare the policy for habitat season, the ground become soft and slippery, which utilization and conservation of blackbuck in this region. makes difficult for blackbuck to run and this creates The findings of the study are expected to improve the 57
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