Odisha's Ganjam Sees Sharp Rise in Blackbuck Population, Reaches 9,287

• The blackbuck population in Ganjam district, Odisha, increased by 498 in the last year, reaching a total of 9,287.
• The census, conducted by the Forest Department on January 29, revealed 5,832 females, 2,104 males, and 1,351 juveniles.
• Ghumusar South forest division recorded the highest count with 5,972 blackbucks, while Ghumusar North had the lowest at 459, and Berhampur forest division had 2,856.
• Improved habitat, community protection, and forest staff efforts are credited for the population growth; locals consider blackbuck sightings in paddy fields a good omen.
• The Forest Department is working to restore blackbuck habitat in Balukhand-Konark Wildlife Sanctuary, Puri, after their disappearance from the area in 2012-13, with four translocated last year.