Blackbuck National Park
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PRESENTATION OF THE PARK
Created in 1976 in the area of Bhal Saurashtra, the Blackbuck National Park is located at 72 km of the town of Bhavnagar. While skirting the coasts of the gulf of Cambay in the south, it extends on a surface from 34.08 km². This park was formerly the "Vidi" (meadows) of Maharaja of the princely State of Bhavnagar.
On the northern side, the park is surrounded by waste grounds and fields of agriculture. The national park was classified as a 4B biological Gujarat-Rajwada province of semi-arid products geographical organic-zone.
The flat ground, the dry grass and the herds of antelope always attracted the visitors of this park. Thanks to its ecosystem of single meadows, several programs of conservation were effective in order to in particular protect the blackbuck (Antelope cervicapra), the indian gray wolf (Canis lupus pallipes) and the Lesser Florican (Sypheotides indica). Regarded as an exclusive species of India, the bustard passarage saw the number specimens to fall during these last decades a little everywhere in the country. Today, it is within the park that the largest population remains.
GEOGRAPHY
In July 1976, date on which the park was created, the initial surface of the protected areas measured approximately 11.88 km². Thereafter, in 1980, 16,82 km² were added to the park. The current total surface area of the park of Velavadar is of 34.08 km². The joint part with the gulf of Cambay is in a zone of high tide and is often invaded by water. However, the semi-arid conditions with this sea water overflow during monsoon, creates ranges adapted to the various species composing fauna of the park.
According to a study of the ground, the surface of the park is composed as follows :
7.57 km² of dense grassland and 9.91 km² of sparse grassland.
5.05 km² of Prosopis shrubland.
saline lands covering about 5.13 km².
5.08 km² covered by high tidal mudflats.
FAUNA OF THE PARK
The principal attraction of the Blackbuck National Park is without any doubt its large population of blackbuck. This antelope is endemic in India and is classified among most beautiful and fastest on long distance. During the reign of the Maharajahs de Bhavnagar, Velavadar was used to collect grass in order to nourish the royal herds of bovines and the antelopes were protected. The Maharajah Krishnakumar Sinhji organized occasional huntings accompanied by cheetahs and falcon.
In this park also the very rare indian gray wolf lives which nourishes antelope mainly. It is also the principal predator of the area. One is unaware of to date how much specimens remain within the park but it is known that they are far from numerous because they are very difficult to observe. However, of the studies undertaken by researchers showed that the park is one of the rare places in the world where the population of wolves is in increase.
Other mammals also live in the area such as the nilgai, wild boar, the fox, the jackal, the jungle cat, hare or a multiplicity of species of rodents.
The avifauna of the Blackbuck National Park is not in remainder either. Some 1 500 of species of migratory birds, waders and birds of prey populate this splendid area.
According to a study, Velavadar is one of the most important sites of rest for the harrier in the world. This study was certified by an international expert of the United Kingdom, Roger Clarke. The experts say that the harriers are essential indicators on the health of the ecosystem of the grasslands like that of the wetlands. However the pesticides used by the farmers are a large threat for these birds.
Of the 16 harrier species in the world, four migrate to the park every year in winter. They are Montagu Harriers, Pallid Harriers, Eurasian Marsh Harriers and Hen Harriers. Each year a census is made in order to know the exact number of it. In 2009 for example, one did not count any less than 2 300 specimens.
TOURIST INFORMATION
Although the park is open all the year, the period ranging between monsoon and the winter (normally of mid-June at the end of March) is regarded as the period recommended. The best moment to visit the national park of Velavadar is December to March, at which time many species of migratory birds such as the harriers, the small bustard, the eagles, the waders and of many other water birds are able to spend the winter there. The park has a bungalow managed by the department of the forests making it possible to organize a stay on reservation. In 2009, the construction of other bungalow started in order to accommodate more world and work should be completed in 2010.
EXTERNAL LINKS
http://epaper.timesofindia.com
