Population of black bucks rising at Katarnia range

BAHRAICH: The population of a rare species of black buck is increasing at Katarnia forest range under Katarniaghat wildlife sanctuary. They have grown in numbers considerably in the past two years with more males than females. Most of them are inhabiting in the forest areas of Bichhiya, Girjapuri and Gairwa river blocks.

The counting of black bucks was carried out last month between May 16 and May 23 which was quite astonishing. Under three blocks of the rang Bichhiya, Girjapuri and Gairwa the population of black bucks was found to be 73. The forest department stated that two years ago the number was only 7. The good thing for the wildlife this year was the rain ahead of time which has reduced the problem of food and water to a great extent for the wildlife. Divisional forest officer (DFO) wildlife RK Singh said: "We are facing problems due to the scarcity of budget and staff still the operation for wildlife conservation will continue."

For past 10 years, the survival of wild animals at Katarnia range was difficult due to insufficient rains and infiltration of poachers in the forest. The forest department had taken an initiative for the conservation of the rare species of wildlife for the past two years and for this the ponds were constructed at Bichhiya, Gairwa, Girjapuri and Katarnia forest areas. The patrolling was also enhanced in order to check poachers in the forest areas.