The blackbuck population in Odisha’s Ganjam district continues its upward trajectory, rising by 498 in the last one year, officials said on Wednesday.
The total number of blackbucks in the district stood at 9,287, according to a census conducted by the Forest Department on January 29.
The officials said the population was estimated at 8,789 in 2025, 7,273 in 2023, 7,358 in 2021 and 6,875 in 2020.
Of the total population recorded this year, 5,832 were females, 2,104 males, and 1,351 juveniles, respectively, the official said.
The Forest, Environment and Climate Change Department, Govt of Odisha conducted the Annual Blackbuck Estimation 2026 in Ganjam.
With trained teams, pilot use of drones & AI, and community support the population rose to 9,287 in 2026 from 8,789 in 2025.#BlackbuckCensus2026 pic.twitter.com/q4ofVFEL35
— PCCF WL & CWLW, Odisha (@PCCFWL_Odisha) February 3, 2026
Known locally as ‘Krushnasar Murga,’ the blackbuck is protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act and is currently categorised as a vulnerable species in the Red Data Book.
The Ghumusar South forest division recorded the highest density with 5,972 sightings, whereas Ghumusar North reported the lowest at 459. The Berhampur forest division accounted for the remaining 2,856 animals.
The census operation involved approximately 500 participants—ranging from wildlife experts and activists to students—organised into 123 specialised units.
Regional Chief Conservator of Forests Vishwanath Neelannavar said that the forest department undertook experimental drone-based aerial monitoring and AI-assisted counting within specific areas for the first time.
Around 500 people, including wildlife experts, activists, academicians and college students, were involved in the census exercise. They were divided into 123 units for the exercise.
Blackbuck census begins in Berhampur Forest Division across 35 units, covering Khalikote, Berhampur and Digapahandi ranges, strengthening efforts to monitor and conserve the species. #blackbuckcensus #odishawildlife #wildlifeconservation #odisha pic.twitter.com/zFm6g7oXdK
— PCCF WL & CWLW, Odisha (@PCCFWL_Odisha) January 29, 2026
Vipasha Parul, the divisional forest officer (DFO) of Ghumusar South, attributed the blackbuck population growth to a combination of improved habitat conditions, dedicated forest staff efforts, and protection by local communities.
“Locals believe that the sighting of blackbucks in paddy fields is a good sign,” said Amulya Upadhyaya, president of the Blackbuck Protection Committee (Ganjam).
He further said that villagers do not harm the blackbucks, even when the animals graze on and cause damage to their crops.
While the blackbuck population in Ganjam thrives, the species has been absent from the Balukhand-Konark Wildlife Sanctuary in Puri since 2013. However, the Forest Department has initiated habitat restoration and translocation programs to restore its habitat in the sanctuary through translocation.
DFO of Ghumusar North, Himansu Sekhar Mohanty, said four blackbucks were translocated from the area to Puri last year.
