Nepal’s plan to relocate 18 blackbucks to a new enclosure near Chitwan National Park has sparked concern among conservationists, who warn that the site may not be suitable for the antelope’s long-term survival.
The blackbucks (Antilope cervicapra), native to the Indian subcontinent, will be moved to the Tikauli forest corridor area as part of an effort to expand their population beyond western Nepal. The animals will come from populations in Bardiya and Shuklaphanta, where earlier translocations have helped boost their numbers to over 500 individuals in the country.
Officials say the move aims to create a second secure population in case disease, disaster, or habitat loss affects existing groups. However, experts argue that the Chitwan region may expose the animals to new risks.
Ecologists point out that Chitwan’s humid, monsoonal climate is very different from the dry grasslands where blackbucks naturally thrive. They also warn that tall vegetation, seasonal flooding, and competition with other deer species such as chital could increase stress and limit survival chances.
A major concern is predation. Bengal tiger and leopards are present in the wider landscape of Chitwan, and conservationists fear that enclosed populations could still be vulnerable, especially if predators find ways into the habitat. Previous cases in Nepal have shown significant blackbuck losses due to leopards and hyenas.
Human disturbance is another issue. The proposed site lies close to a municipal waste dump, a highway, and areas used for public events and tourism activities. Researchers warn that constant noise, waste, and human movement could increase stress levels and alter natural behavior.
Local authorities have begun preparing the enclosure with fencing, water ponds, and controlled grassland, and say they will monitor risks closely. They also plan to promote the site as a tourism and awareness destination.
However, conservation scientists emphasize that true success will depend not just on survival inside enclosures, but on whether blackbucks can eventually adapt and thrive in open wild conditions. Some experts caution that long-term enclosure based management may limit natural behavior and reduce survival skills over time.
The project is now being seen as a test case for how far translocation can go in restoring a species outside its preferred habitat and whether human managed conservation can fully replace natural ecosystems.