Nepal plans to relocate blackbucks to south-central lowlands

The Nepalese government plans to relocate 18 blackbucks from protected areas in the western plains to the south-central lowlands ^[1].

This move aims to secure the species' future by creating a secondary population. Officials said this distribution will protect the antelope from the risk of localized diseases or natural disasters ^[2].

However, the plan has drawn criticism from conservationists who said the chosen habitat near Chitwan National Park is unsuitable. The primary concerns center on the physical environment and the presence of predators. Reports from June 1 indicate that dense tree cover in the target area may obstruct the movement of the animals ^[3].

Blackbucks typically thrive in open grasslands, and critics said that the tree-dense regions of the south-central lowlands do not align with the species' biological needs. Beyond the vegetation, there are concerns regarding the local wildlife population. The area is known to be occupied by tigers, which could lead to high predation rates for the relocated herd ^[4].

The Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation is overseeing the effort to move the animals from the west to the lowlands adjacent to the national park ^[1]. While the government views the translocation as a necessary safeguard for the species, the disagreement over habitat suitability highlights a tension between rapid population expansion and ecological compatibility ^[2].

Conservationists continue to urge a reassessment of the site to ensure the 18 animals are not placed in an environment where they are likely to fail ^[1].