VALLANADU BLACK BUCK SANCTURARY

 

EASTERN SLOPE OF THE VALLANADU BLACKBUCK SANCTUARY VIEW FROM WATCHTOWER

Name, location, constitution and extent:

Nestled in the heart of Tamil Nadu amidst the emerald embrace of the Srivaikundam taluk of Thoothukudi District, lies a haven for one of India's most graceful creatures - the Blackbuck Antelope. It is conveniently situated just 16 kilometers from the bustling city of Tirunelveli and 35 kilometers from the pearl city of Thoothukudi.  Woven from the historical tapestry of the Vallanadu and Gangaikondan forests, this sanctuary serves as the southernmost sanctuary in India where the blackbuck thrives. Historically, these elegant creatures roamed free in the Vallanadu and Gangaikondan Forests. However, due to habitat loss and hunting, their numbers dwindled significantly. Recognizing the need to protect this endangered species, the government established the Vallanadu Blackbuck Sanctuary within the larger Vallanadu Reserved Forests, encompassing a dedicated 1,641 hectares as per G.O. Ms.No.1028 dated 28.09.1987.

 Vallanadu Boundaries:

The Vallanadu Blackbuck Sanctuary is surrounded by the villages Manakarai, Vallanadu, Keela Vallanadu, Muthangurichi, Udayanpatti, Alwarkarkulam, Kongarayankurichi, Ellainayakkanpatti, Padmanabhamangalam, Arampannai and Thollappan pannai.

Water Management at Vallanadu sanctuary:

The Vallanadu Blackbuck Sanctuary, a haven for the elegant blackbuck antelope, faces a significant challenge: a lack of reliable water sources. Despite receiving an average annual rainfall of 750mm, the sanctuary suffers from an acute water shortage due to the absence of perennial streams or rivers within its borders. This water scarcity has a direct impact on the sanctuary's residents. To address this critical issue, the forest department has taken proactive steps by drilling borewells, one powered by solar energy and the other by electricity. Water holes created in Bangala Saragam, karadi oothu, vagai maram thotti. The water bodies in VBS managed by the forest department are often insufficient, leaving the animals dependent on external sources. Fortunately, some perennial water sources exist outside the sanctuary, such as old quarry pools, shallow open wells, and ponds. These vital sources provide a lifeline for the animals, particularly during the dry seasons.

 Forest Types: A Diverse Tapestry of Vegetative Cover:

Vallanadu Hills, classified as a Southern thorn scrub 6A/DS1 forest type, unveils a fascinating tapestry of thorny shrubs and diverse tree species. The primary tree species found in the hills are Albizia lebbeck, Azadirachta indica, Bauhinia racemosa, Catunaregam spinosa, Commiphora berryi, Commiphora berry, Dalbergia multiflora, Dichrostachys cinerea, Gmelina arborea, Grewia orbiculata, Grewia villosa, Lannea coromandelica, Prosopis juliflora, Wrightia tinctoria,  ziziphus xylopyrus, ziziphus ziziphus and various Acacia species.      

Canthium parvifolium, Dodonaea viscosa, Lantana camara, Pavetta indica, Pavonia odorata, Polygala javana and Ziziphus mauritiana are some of the under shrubs found in the area.

     Vallanadu Hills is not only home to a diverse array of trees and shrubs, but also has a fascinating network of climbing vines that weave their way through the landscape. Some of the major climbers in the sanctuary area includes Abrus precatorius, Abrus fruticulosus, Asparagus racemosus, Canavalia virosa, Capparis sepiaria, Capparis zeylanica, Ceropegia juncea, Cissampelos pareira, Clitoria ternatea, Coccinia grandis, Cocculus hirsutus, Corallocarpus epigaeus, Ctenolepis garcini, Desmodium triflorum, Gloriosa superba, Grewia flavescens, Grewia umbellifera, Hemidesmus indicus. Maerua oblongifolia and Pterolobium hexapetalum.

     Herbs like Biophytum sensitivum, Mimosa pudica, Mollugo cerviana, Pedalium murex and common grass species such as Andropogon pumilus, Eragrostis viscosa, Perotis indica, Tragus roxburghii are commonly found in the Vallanadu Hills.

 Density of trees:

Research studies have revealed a remarkable tree density of 1335 trees per hectare in the Vallanadu hills. Commiphora berryi dominated the STF with 334(25.02%) individuals, followed by Acacia planifrons 261(19.55%), Dichrostachys cinerea 225(16.85%) and Acacia mellifera 165(12.36%).
Acacia mellifera, despite its significant presence, presents a unique challenge. Its dense, hooked thorns create a hostile environment for both animals and plants. This thorny barrier hinders movement and makes it difficult for other species to coexist within its domain, resulting in limited regeneration beneath its canopy.

 Fauna, avi fauna, vertebrates and their status:

 The Vallanadu Blackbuck Sanctuary is not only a haven for the elegant blackbuck antelope but also a thriving home for an astonishing variety of fascinating creatures including monkeys, wild cats, macaques, jungle cats, jackal, mongoose, vipers, black-napped hares, horned owls, sparrows, crested-hawk eagles, jungle crows, peafowls, and herons. Among these remarkable creatures, one stands out for its rarity - the Egyptian vulture. The sanctuary boasts over 166 varieties of this majestic bird and 60 varieties of butterflies, enriching the unique ecological tapestry of the Vallanadu Blackbuck Sanctuary.

About Blackbucks:

The blackbuck, affectionately known as pullvoi, Velli maan, Thiruku maan, and Murukku maan in Tamil, is an indigenous species classified as threatened by the IUCN. While these elegant antelopes are often spotted in open grasslands and cultivated fields across India, the Vallanadu blackbuck uniquely prefers the vicinity of low hills covered in scrub jungle. Unlike its brethren elsewhere, the Vallanadu blackbuck exhibits a fascinating behavior - they retreat to their shelters at dawn and only re-emerge at sunset, a behavior likely stemming from historical persecution.

The blackbuck, a medium-sized antelope, boasts a graceful and slender build. Recognized as the swiftest of all antelopes, this species exhibits a fascinating distinction – males differ from females in color. The males' backs are a deep brown, extending to their sides and the outer parts of their legs. In contrast, females (Doe) are a beautiful yellowish fawn on their heads and backs. Both sexes share the same white markings on their underparts, the insides of their legs, and around their eyes. Interestingly, males become darker with age, and young males acquire the black coat of adulthood at 3 years old.

Males are easily identified by their impressive horns, which are ringed at the base and spiral upwards in stunning twists, reaching up to five turns and measuring between 45 to 68cm. Their tails are short, and their average height ranges from 74 to 84cm. On average, males weigh between 20 and 57kg, while females are lighter, ranging from 20 to 33kg. Their hooves are delicate and sharply pointed, aiding in agility and movement. Blackbucks typically give birth to 1-2 young at a time, with a lifespan of approximately 15 years. Males establish territories by depositing feces, marking their domain and attracting females. Young blackbucks are remarkably precocious, able to run soon after birth. As adults, males fiercely defend their harems against rival bucks, ensuring the continuation of their lineage.

The blackbuck's presence in the Indian Zodiac constellations serves as a testament to its historical significance.

 Recreational Value:

The Vallanadu Blackbuck Sanctuary (VBS) goes beyond being just a protected haven for wildlife. It serves as a recreational paradise for nature enthusiasts, offering a plethora of opportunities to immerse oneself in the wonders of the natural world.  By promoting responsible ecotourism practices and engaging in environmental education, VBS can continue to inspire awe and foster a sense of responsibility towards protecting our planet for generations to come.

 Threat for the Blackbuck:

The Blackbuck habitat within the Vallanadu Blackbuck Sanctuary (VBS) differs significantly from the surrounding areas. While the landscape outside the sanctuary boasts an abundance of open grass fallow, the interior is dominated by dense scrub vegetation on steep terrain, considered unfavorable for blackbuck survival and movement. In an effort to improve the habitat within the sanctuary, the Forest Department undertook a commendable initiative and cleared an area of approximately 5 hectares in the eastern part of the sanctuary, removing the thorny trees and shrubs that impeded blackbuck movement and access to resources.

VBS was established to protect a unique antelope species, and faces a pressing challenge of habitat degradation. Surrounding the sanctuary lies the private land, which once provided essential habitat for the blackbuck population. Unfortunately, real estate development has fragmented this land, creating isolated patches and restricting the movement of the antelopes. 

VBS also faces another unique challenge: its status as a refuge for feral cattle. During the monsoon, these cattle find ample food within the sanctuary's lush forests and during the dry season, they venture out, mingling with domestic livestock and potentially returning to the sanctuary at night.

Adding to the complexity, some calves offered by villagers to the nearby Arulmigu Parvathy Amman Koil temple also join the feral cattle population. These animals, including bulls and cows, adapt to the environment, developing tough skin to survive under the thorny bushes. Unfortunately, the presence of these feral cattle poses a significant threat to the blackbuck population. They compete for the limited resources within the sanctuary, including vital forage and water, jeopardizing the blackbuck's survival. Furthermore, their potential to carry diseases poses a risk not only to blackbuck but also to other herbivores like spotted deer. This issue is particularly concerning in TAFCORN areas with higher feral cattle populations.

Beyond the Eastern side boundary of the VBS are fragmented with housing plots