Re-introduction of blackbuck in Pakistan
Re-introduction of blackbuck in Pakistan
Abdul Aleem
ABSTRACT
Blackbuck (Antelope cervicapra) was oncea native of Cholistan desert and was so plentiful that 50 animals were presented in 1930 by the Nawab of Bahawalpur to some ranchers in Texas where they had increased to 5000 by 1967, the blackbuck had been exterminated from its natural habitat-Cholistan-and the need was felt to reintroduce it. In April 1970, 10 blackbuck (3 males, 7 females) were presented by World Wildlife Fund through San Antorio Zoo to the Forest Department, West Pakistan. The animals were kept in an enclosure for multiplication and ultimate release in the wild. 31,200 hectares of Cholistan desert (including Lal Suhanra irrigated plantation and Lal Sunhanra lake) were declared as National Park in July 1972. On February 11, 1978, the number in the enclosure had increased to 22. Pneumonia, and snake bites appeared to be responsible for the slow increase.
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June 1978
Vol. 28, Iss. 2
