Trees stand in the way of long-awaited blackbuck relocation to Chitwan

A long-standing initiative to relocate blackbuck antelope from Nepal's western plains to Chitwan has encountered an unexpected hurdle: trees. The government is proceeding with a proposal to move the species from Bardiya and Shuklaphanta national parks to the Barandabhar forest near Tikauli Grassland in Ratnanagar, a project that has been in development for approximately seven years. The initiative was recently highlighted among the first policy decisions announced by Minister for Agriculture, Forests and Environment Gita Chaudhary.

Significant groundwork has been completed for the relocation. Ratnanagar Municipality has allocated nearly 30 million Nepalese rupees to construct a fenced enclosure, cultivate grasslands, and guarantee a consistent water supply for the animals. Despite these preparations, the arrival of the blackbuck remains uncertain due to concerns raised by forest officials regarding the proximity of trees to the enclosure.

Forest officials express worry that the trees surrounding the enclosure could provide easy access for leopards, a major predator of blackbuck. This raises fears that the relocated animals could be vulnerable immediately upon release. "The fence itself is strong, but leopards may be able to use nearby trees to get inside," stated Bishnu Prasad Acharya, chief of the Division Forest Office in Chitwan. "Removing those trees would significantly reduce the risk."

A technical committee recently inspected the site and confirmed that the enclosure, grazing area, and water facilities meet the basic requirements for blackbuck conservation. However, the committee identified the surrounding trees as a potential threat, noting that leopards, being excellent climbers and powerful jumpers, could use them to access the enclosure. Officials have identified 132 trees, 103 outside and 29 within the fenced area, that may require removal. Most of these are mature sal trees, and their removal necessitates government approval. This issue represents the final major obstacle for a project local authorities had hoped would be completed already.

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The fence itself is strong, but leopards may be able to use nearby trees to get inside. Removing those trees would significantly reduce the risk.