Preparations for Blackbuck transfer to Chitwan in final stages

CHITWAN, July 11:The final stages of the Blackbuck transfer to Chitwan have been completed. Preparations have been initiated to relocate the Blackbuck from Shuklaphanta National Park to Chitwan for long-term conservation.

Mayor Prahlad Sapkota stated that following the technical study, the necessary preparation work has been completed to keep Blackbuck in Tikauli of Chitwan's Ratnanagar municipality. He said that work is being done to bring Blackbuck here till October.

Chief Sapkota reported that fences, grass fields, and two ponds had been built in the area designated for the confinement of Blackbuck at Tikauli. He stated that it was the municipality's idea to import Blackbuck to Chitwan.

The division forest office Chitwan will handle it under the municipality's primary supervision. The municipality set aside 3.8 million dollars for Blackbuck management last year, and 5 million this year.

Chief Sapkota stated that Blackbuck will be brought here for conservation and tourism development. "We have also taken the initiative to relocate Blackbuck in order to convey the message that there are other animals in Chitwan besides elephants, tigers, and rhinos," he added, adding that "the arrival of new wild animals can give tourists a new experience."

Blackbuck will be fenced in an area of 19 hectares in Tikauli of Panchakanya Community Forest, according to city chief Sapkota. According to him, the barrier is built in such a way that leopards, tigers, and elephants cannot demolish it. He also stated that the town is planning to construct a green park in this community Jungle.

A process for Blackbuck relocation has been developed by the local administration, Chitwan National Park, and different conservation and community forest organizations. Blackbuck is now only found in Khairapur, Bardia, and Hirapur, Shuklaphanta, Kanchanpur.

Former Chief Conservation Officer Barna Bahadur Thapa stated that the move is being planned for Blackbuck conservation. According to him, Blackbuck is being introduced to Chitwan because if a species stays in one spot for too long, it becomes a conservation concern owing to diseases, floods, and landslides.

The National Parks Department organized a technical research team for Blackbuck translocation on the orders of the Ministry of Forests, led by Haribhadra Acharya. After the technical team presented a report stating that "sustainability and sustainability are possible," the transfer was prepared.

The research began in the year 2077 BS, while preparations for infrastructure building began in the year 2078 BS. "Technically, a five-year action plan is being prepared for management," former chief conservation officer Thapa explained, adding that "the work of Blackbuck relocation will begin after the action plan report is submitted." According to him, plans are being made to bring 18 Blackbuck, six males and twelve females, in the first phase.

"An open grassland is thought to be suitable for Blackbuck habitat." It enjoys brass, dubo, and siru. "Acacia and birch seeds are also suitable grasses for Blackbuck," stated Balakrishna Khanal, Assistant Forest Officer, Division Forest Office, Chitwan. He stated that the last stages of Blackbuck's transfer have been completed. He stated that the forest office has also planted plants of kinds such as Bayar and other species that Blackbuck like, and that they will be transplanted when the climate and environment are right.

Former Chitwan National Park conservation officer Narayan Rupakheti stated that woodland and bushy areas are not suited for Blackbuck, but open and grasslands are. "There is a fear of getting lost in dense forests and bushes," he explained. "Its nature is to graze in the grasslands in the morning and evening and stay in the hot afternoon sun."

Former conservation officer Rupakheti believes that if Blackbuck is given adequate habitat, conservation will be successful. He stated that grassland makes about 70% of the Tikauli area where Blackbuck will be transported.

Former conservation officer Rupakheti said that the conservation will be successful if Blackbuck is given a proper habitat. He informed that 70 percent of the Tikauli area where Blackbuck is to be brought is grassland.

Blackbuck is a protected wildlife of Nepal. Blackbuck, which was once abundant in the Terai region of Nepal, has recently ceased to be found, and the government has started conservation efforts. According to the Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation, the number of Blackbuck in Nepal has reached 452. There are 196 Blackbuck in Bardia and 256 Blackbuck in Shuklaphanta of Kanchanpur.