Blackbuck (Antilope cervicapra)

  • Keystone grassland species; population reflects health of grassland ecosystems
  • Conservation status: Schedule I (Wildlife Protection Act, 1972); Vulnerable (IUCN Red List)
  • Ganjam district (Odisha): Sole blackbuck habitat in the state; population surged to 9,287 (increase of 2,412 since 2020)
  • Success driven by community reverence and reduced poaching — not aggressive fencing

Sal Tree (Shorea robusta) & Heartwood Borer

  • Sal: second most important timber species in India after teak
  • Dominates tropical moist deciduous forests (~10 million hectares total cover)
  • MP and Chhattisgarh account for >25% of sal cover
  • Sal Heartwood Borer (Hoplocerambyx spinicornis): Family Cerambycidae; causing severe epidemic in MP and Chhattisgarh
  • Highly attracted to tree sap and resin
  • Control: “Trap Tree Method” — healthy trees (60-90 cm girth) cut and beaten to release sap, intoxicating borers for manual killing

UPSC Angle

  • GS3: Biodiversity, species conservation, pest management

📌 Facts Corner — Knowledgepedia

Blackbuck:

  • Scientific name: Antilope cervicapra
  • WPA status: Schedule I; IUCN: Vulnerable
  • Ganjam (Odisha) population: 9,287 (up 2,412 since 2020)

Sal Tree & Heartwood Borer:

  • Sal rank: 2nd most important timber species (after teak)
  • Sal cover: ~10 million hectares; MP + Chhattisgarh: >25%
  • Borer: Hoplocerambyx spinicornis (Cerambycidae)
  • Control: Trap Tree Method (60-90 cm girth trees)