Flora and Fauna in Blackbuck National Park

Velavadar Blackbuck National Park, situated near the Bhavnagar district of Gujarat, India, stands as a distinctive grassland ecosystem, primarily designated as a national park for the preservation of blackbucks. Encompassed by vast expanses of grasslands, interspersed with pockets of Prosopis Chilensis, the park unfolds as a captivating savannah habitat. The landscape showcases a variety of indigenous trees such as kalam, charal, umro, banyan, karanj, tamarind, and more. The park offers a diverse terrain, featuring expansive open spaces accessible for jeep exploration, interspersed with sparsely wooded areas, marshes to the south, and arid regions to the north, creating a harmonious blend of landscapes.

During the monsoon season, Velavadar National Park experiences occasional flooding. The blackbuck herds predominantly inhabit the northern part of the sanctuary, while the southern region features patches of thorn forest, creating an ideal environment for bird watching, especially birds of prey. Annually, as adverse weather conditions set in, birds from Siberia, Europe, and Central Asia seek refuge in Velavadar National Park. The park's wetland, a smaller area within the southern part, becomes a magnet for migratory birds such as flamingos, pelicans, various waders, ducks, white storks, coots, sarus cranes, and painted storks, among others. Velavadar emerges as a paradise for bird enthusiasts, recording sightings of birds like common cranes, demoiselle cranes, and raptors including crested spotted eagles and steppe eagles.

Velavadar National Park is home to a thriving population of over 4500 blackbucks, specifically the subspecies Antilope Cervicapra Rajputanae. The blackbuck, with an average lifespan of 8-11 years, is a prominent resident of the park. Additionally, the park boasts a diverse array of wildlife, featuring star attractions like the Indian Wolf, Bengal Fox, Lesser Florican, Montagu’s Harrier, Jungle Cat, Blue Bull, and several other species.