Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh): The forest department has received permission from the Centre to translocate 400 blackbucks and 100 blue bulls from Shajapur district to other locations. The process of relocating blue bulls is currently underway as part of an experimental initiative, which, if successful, could be expanded to other regions facing similar wildlife-related challenges.
In 2016, 27 blue bulls were caught from Aera village in Mandsaur district, and 45 more were captured from the NATRAX campus in Pithampur, Dhar district, during 2023–24. All were released into Gandhi Sagar Sanctuary using the Boma technique, which enables safe capture and relocation of wild animals.
To shift black bucks from Shajapur, the forest department has involved the aviation department and plans to deploy a Robinson helicopter for the task. This is expected to begin after the monsoon, most likely in winter. The black bucks too will be released in Gandhi Sagar Sanctuary, which already serves as a habitat for India’s introduced cheetah population.
The black buck population has been causing increasing problems in Shajapur, frequently entering agricultural fields and damaging standing crops. Meanwhile, blue bulls have become a serious road hazard in Mandsaur and other regions, often darting across highways and colliding with vehicles, leading to fatal accidents.
This relocation is being carried out on a trial basis. If results are positive, the model may be implemented in other areas where blue bulls and black bucks are creating conflict with human settlements.
