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<p>The blackbuck (<i>Antilope cervicapra rajputanae</i>) is endemic to the Indian sub-continent, with a current range distribution in isolated pockets. The blackbuck inhabiting the multi-use north-central region of Gujarat, India occur in the form of an isolated and arguably the only remaining population whose numbers indicate a drastic population decline (from over 300 individuals to less than 50 in the past four decades). Unprecedented land use change, anthropogenic activities, feral dog predation, human–blackbuck conflict and lack of a protected area are key factors that threaten the species with local extirpation. Knowledge about where and how species persist in human dominated landscapes is essential to aid conservation planning. We employed a detection-corrected occupancy modelling framework using a single-species single-season model using a maximum likelihood-based approach in the PRESENCE 2.13.18 software to identify the parameters driving blackbuck distribution in the region. We also conducted informal discussions with the villagers during the field work to understand their perceptions regarding wildlife conservation and management of community lands. The sampling was undertaken in 38 grids (1.5 × 1.5&#xa0;km each) with a total survey effort of 161.22&#xa0;km. The modelled occupancy was estimated to be 49% with a detection probability of 0.5. The occupancy probability was positively influenced by the extent of a water body, but negatively influenced by the extent of human habitation and terrain ruggedness. This baseline study re-emphasized the conservation significance of refuge patches in human dominated landscapes. The local perceptions were majorly positive towards human–blackbuck coexistence and towards restoration and better management of community lands. An inclusive conservation planning approach that consolidates social-ecological perspectives can ensure long term blackbuck persistence in the landscape.</p>

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Habitat Occupancy and Conservation Implications for an Isolated Blackbuck Population in a Tropical, Semi-Arid Human-Dominated Landscape

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2026年2月23日

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  • Darshit Mesariya,
  • Kaid Johar S.R.,
  • Dhawal Mehta

摘要

The blackbuck (Antilope cervicapra rajputanae) is endemic to the Indian sub-continent, with a current range distribution in isolated pockets. The blackbuck inhabiting the multi-use north-central region of Gujarat, India occur in the form of an isolated and arguably the only remaining population whose numbers indicate a drastic population decline (from over 300 individuals to less than 50 in the past four decades). Unprecedented land use change, anthropogenic activities, feral dog predation, human–blackbuck conflict and lack of a protected area are key factors that threaten the species with local extirpation. Knowledge about where and how species persist in human dominated landscapes is essential to aid conservation planning. We employed a detection-corrected occupancy modelling framework using a single-species single-season model using a maximum likelihood-based approach in the PRESENCE 2.13.18 software to identify the parameters driving blackbuck distribution in the region. We also conducted informal discussions with the villagers during the field work to understand their perceptions regarding wildlife conservation and management of community lands. The sampling was undertaken in 38 grids (1.5 × 1.5 km each) with a total survey effort of 161.22 km. The modelled occupancy was estimated to be 49% with a detection probability of 0.5. The occupancy probability was positively influenced by the extent of a water body, but negatively influenced by the extent of human habitation and terrain ruggedness. This baseline study re-emphasized the conservation significance of refuge patches in human dominated landscapes. The local perceptions were majorly positive towards human–blackbuck coexistence and towards restoration and better management of community lands. An inclusive conservation planning approach that consolidates social-ecological perspectives can ensure long term blackbuck persistence in the landscape.