34 blackbucks die, 20 go missing in 15 months
Summary
Blackbuck numbers in Nepal’s only blackbuck conservation area in Khairapur, Bardiya have fallen to 210 after 34 deaths and 20 missing animals over the past 15 months. Leopard attacks are blamed for most of the losses, raising fresh concerns about the species’ survival.
Key Points
- Blackbuck population in Khairapur has dropped to 210 from 242 in the last fiscal year.
- Thirty-four blackbucks died and 20 went missing over the past 15 months, with leopard attacks causing most deaths.
- Authorities suspect leopards from a nearby community forest are repeatedly entering the conservation area.
- Four leopards have been captured since June 12 and released in Bardiya National Park.
