Rampant poaching has resulted in the reducing population of the highly-endangered blackbucks at Bidaregudi Kaval of Konehalli in Tiptur taluk, according to a census by an environmental NGO.

In its report, the Mythreya Institute for Environment and Rural Studies states that there are currently 175 blackbucks in Bidaregudi Kaval. The numbers stood at 225 in 2009 and 245 in 2011.

Institute secretary Srikanth H.S. has alleged that poaching is rampant in 1,547 acres in Bidaregudi Kaval. Blackbucks are hunted not just for meat but also for the horns and skin. The Forest Department is unable to check this, he said.

Bidaregudi Kaval has a rich biodiversity with 270 species of flora, 76 species of birds and 47 species of butterflies. Mr. Srikanth said that anti-poaching camps in the area by the Forest Department in 2011 had brought the activity under control. The department should restart the camp, he opined.

The State government should declare the area as Kalpataru Blackbuck Conservation Reserve and Biodiversity Park, he said.

Assistant Conservator of Forests Nagendra B.S. Rao said a proposal to declare the area as a reserve had been sent to the State government. However, Mr. Rao argued that poaching incidents had not been reported in the area. He contended that blackbucks stray into nearby villages where they are attacked by stray dogs and killed. They are also killed by leopards present in the area, he said.