This is part of Wild Orissa's plan to revive the dwindling blackbuck population of Balukhand-Konark sanctuary, which was once consdered to be a safe haven of the highly-endangered species.

The NGO along with the Puri forest division has prepared a master plan to bring blackbucks from Ganjam district. At present, the blackbuck population in Ganjam is 3,806. As per last year's census, the population increased by 1,612 compared to the 2011 census.

"Ganjam boasts of a number of blackbucks as the conditions are conducive to their survival. However, the Indian antelope has become nearly extinct in Balukhand-Konark sanctuary in the last five years. We have planned to relocate some blackbucks from Ganjam to the Balukhand-Konark sanctuary to facilitate breeding," said Wild Orissa secretary, MonalisaBhujabal.

Corroborating this, Puri divisional forest officerChittaranjan Mishra said they have proposed the release of two male and six female blackbucks to the Balukhand sanctuary. "We will seek the approval of the chief wildlife warden for shifting the animals," Mishra told TOI, adding that they are examining the factors that led to the rapid extinction of the blackbucks in the sanctuary.

A survey by Wild Orissa reveals that the blackbuck population in the sanctuary dwindled because of natural calamities, construction activities near the habitat, depletion of meadow, hunting by stray dogs, poaching and road accidents. "Locals will be roped in for the conservation of the rare species," Bhujabal said.