(a) whether the number of black bucks (Krishana Mriga) is increasing in the country including Karnataka;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether the Government has conducted census of various wild animals including black bucks in the country and if so, the details thereof; and
(d) whether the Government proposes to establish black bucks sanctuary/park in Karnataka and if so, the details thereof?
MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE
(SHRI PRAKASH JAVADEKAR)
(a)and(b) Black buck (Antilope cervicapra) occurs in large number in areas outside forests in several parts of the country. Due to its attractive appearance, it is adored by the society and, therefore, thrives in grasslands and agricultural field in rural areas. Population estimates of this species are not available but it is considered abundant due to the societal protection available to it.
(c)
The census of all wild animals is not undertaken in the country. However census of tiger is undertaken at the national level once every four years and census of few other major flagship species like elephant, lion and rhinoceros is undertaken at the State-level by the respective State/Union Territory governments.
Details of population estimates of tiger, elephant, lion and rhinoceros as received from the States is given below:
Name of species Estimated population
Tiger 1945-2491 (2014)
Elephant 29391-30711 (2012)
Lion 523 (2015)
Rhinoceros 2810 (2013)
(d)Government of Karnataka has already notified Ranebennur Black buck sanctuary. Ministry has not received any new proposal for establishment Black buck National Park/Sanctuary from the State Government of Karnataka.
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