The Blackbuck, also known as the Indian antelope, is an antelope found in India. The
Blackbuck is the sole extant member of the genus Antilope and is considered to be the most beautiful of all antelopes because of the male's striking black and white pelage and long spiral horns. Once roamed in huge herds throughout the open woodlands and cultivated tracts of India, the Blackbucks are now considered as a vulnerable species thanks to it's large scale hunting.
Let's travel to Five Blackbuck Sanctuaries In South India where these astounding creatures are spotted in South India!
An Adult Blackbuck - PC : Chinmayisk
Ranibennur Blackbuck Sanctuary, Karnataka
Ranibennur in Haveri district of Karnataka was declared as a sanctuary mainly to protect Blackbucks. Covered mainly by the scrub forest and Eucalyptus plantations, it is also home to the highly endangered great Indian bustard and the wolf. During the dawn and dusk , Blackbucks could be spotted near the waterhole. The best time to visit the place is during October to March.
How to reach : The closest airport is in Bellary and the closest railway station is the Haveri railway station
Jayamangali Blackbuck Reserve, Karnataka
Black bucks at Jayamangala Black Buck reserve
PC : Chesano
Jayamangali Blackbuck conservation reserve in Tumkur district of Karnataka has the largest contiguous population of Blackbuck in Karnataka apart from Ranibennur Sanctuary. It is a patch of grassland with Eucalyptus and Acacia cover. Apart from Blackbucks , the other mammals seen in the area include Indian Wolf, Bonnet Macaque , Indian gray mongoose , the Indian hare etc.
How to reach : The area is located 23 km north east to Madhugiri town in Karnataka or 20 km west of Hindupur town in Andhra.
Vallanadu Wildlife Sanctuary, Tamil Nadu
Vallanadu Wildlife Sanctuary is a protected area of Tamil Nadu aimed at protection of Blackbucks. Located in an isolated hillock, it is the southern most place in India where a natural population of Blackbuck exists. Thick acacia growth makes it difficult to determine a precise population count of Blackbucks here. The blackbucks regularly come out of the scrubs and graze in wastelands on the eastern side of the sanctuary.
How to reach : The nearest airport is at Vagaikulam , Thoothukudi and the nearest railway station is at Tirunelveli junction.
Male and female Blackbucks- PC : Mr Raja Purohit
Point Calimere Wildlife and Bird Sanctuary, Tamil Nadu
Point Calimere Wildlife and Bird Sanctuary in Tamil Nadu was created for the Blackbuck conservation. It is also famous for large congregations of waterbirds, especially greater flamingos. Several sites of religious, historical or cultural importance are located within the sanctuary. During November - December , the grasslands are luxuriant and the area is cooled by the monsoon making it the best time to visit.
How to reach : The nearest railway station is Nagapattnam and the nearest airport is Tiruchirapali.
Guindy National Park, Tamil Nadu
Guindy National Park is a protected area of Tamil Nadu, located in Chennai. It is the 8th smallest National Park in India and one of the very few national parks situated inside a city. It is a major attraction for tourists in the city and has deers , jackals, a wide variety of snakes ,geckos, tortoises etc along with Blackbucks.
How to reach : It is inside the Chennai city and the Guindy railway station is 1 km away from the park.