In a first, 913 blackbuck and Nilgai herded from the air into ‘bomas’ in MP’s Shajapaur

IN NEWS

In a first-of-its-kind operation, the Madhya Pradesh Forest Department successfully herded 913 blackbuck and Nilgai from revenue lands in Shajapur district using a helicopter-based technique. The initiative, assisted by experts from South Africa’s Conservation Solution, aimed at mitigating human-wildlife conflict caused by herbivores damaging crops in agricultural areas.

ANALYSIS

• Objective of the Operation:
  • To address the recurring issue of crop losses faced by farmers due to blackbuck and Nilgai entering agricultural fields from non-forest areas.
  • To translocate these animals safely into designated protected habitats.
• Scale and Uniqueness:
  • The operation involved 913 animals and was conducted over 11 days.
  • It marks the first successful aerial herding and capture operation for wild herbivores in India.
  • The animals were captured without human contact, using grass and green-netted enclosures called ‘bomas’.
• Execution and Logistics:
  • A team of 150 officials, veterinarians, and experts worked under Divisional Forest Officer Beerendra Kumar Patel.
  • Helicopters were deployed to guide animals into bomas for safe capture.
  • The initiative was carried out in coordination with the revenue department to ensure safety for both humans and wildlife.
• Destination of Translocated Animals:
  • The herded blackbuck and Nilgai were relocated to:
    • Rani Durgavati Tiger Reserve
    • Nauradehi Wildlife Sanctuary
    • Gandhisagar Wildlife Sanctuary
    • Kuno National Park
• Role of International Expertise:
  • The operation was executed with the assistance of Conservation Solution, a South Africa-based company specializing in large herbivore translocation (including elephants and rhinos).
  • The method adopted was non-invasive, and Indian forest officials were trained in these techniques for future replications.
• Challenges Faced:
  • Required inter-departmental approvals and coordination across districts.
  • Ensuring minimal stress and no harm to animals and humans during the operation.
  • Managing herding activities in areas with dense human populations.
• Outcome and Significance:
  • The operation is being hailed as a model for mitigating human-wildlife conflict in agricultural zones.
  • It sets a precedent for ethical wildlife management and capacity-building among Indian forest officers.
  • Farmers have welcomed the initiative as a long-term solution to crop protection.

STATIC PART

• Blackbuck (Antilope cervicapra):
  • Listed under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 (providing highest legal protection).
  • Classified as Least Concern (IUCN Red List) but faces habitat loss and human conflict.
• Nilgai (Boselaphus tragocamelus):
  • India’s largest Asian antelope, also protected under Schedule III of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.
  • Commonly found across north and central India; known for causing agricultural damage in farmlands.
• Boma:
  • A temporary enclosure made of natural materials (grass, nets, fencing) used for capturing or holding wild animals safely during translocation.
• Human-Wildlife Conflict:
  • Refers to interactions between humans and wild species that result in negative outcomes, such as crop damage, livestock loss, or injuries.
  • Effective mitigation strategies include translocation, habitat restoration, and community awareness.

Updated – 09 Nov 2025, 11:53 AM | Down To Earth