Why in News?
The Gujarat Forest Department, with technical support from Vantara, released 20 blackbucks into the Banni Grassland of Kutch. The initiative aims to restore the native herbivore population and strengthen the grassland ecosystem.
Key Highlights
- 20 blackbucks released 5 males and 15 females.
- The release received approval from the Chief Wildlife Warden, Gujarat and Central Zoo Authority (CZA).
- The translocation followed prescribed health screening, quarantine, disease surveillance and transport protocols.
- It forms part of a wider programme for translocation of 500 blackbucks and 100 chinkaras.
- The Banni release specifically focuses on restoring native herbivore populations.
- Vantara has earlier supported the Gujarat Forest Department in rewilding nearly 80 spotted deer in Barda Wildlife Sanctuary.
About Banni Grassland
- Location: Kutch district, Gujarat, along the southern edge of the Rann of Kutch.
- One of Asia’s largest tropical grassland ecosystems.
- A marshy and saline grassland with numerous wetlands.
- Recognised as a protected forest since 1955 under the Indian Forest Act, 1927.
- Home to pastoral communities such as Jat, Mutwa, Hingora and Hingorja.
- Important livestock resources include Banni buffalo and Kankrej cattle.
- Supports 250+ bird species, including migratory birds.
- Important wildlife includes blackbuck, chinkara, nilgai, Indian wolf and wild ass.