16/09/2026
Blackbuck Conservation โ A Growing Population at CBC
The Blackbuck (Antilope cervicapra) is a medium-sized antelope native to the Indian subcontinent, typically inhabiting open grassy plains and lightly wooded areas with access to water. It stands approximately 74โ84 cm at the shoulder and displays prominent sexual dimorphism.
Adult males have striking two-tone coloration: the upperparts and outer sides of the legs range from dark brown to almost black, contrasting sharply with the white underparts and inner legs. White fur around the eyes and chin further contrasts with the dark facial markings. One of the maleโs most distinctive features is a pair of magnificent corkscrew-shaped horns, approximately 35โ75 cm long.
Females and juveniles are generally yellowish-fawn to tan and females normally lack horns, making the sexes readily distinguishable from a distance. Females also show a pronounced white lateral stripe extending from the shoulder towards the rump, while this area becomes obscured by the darker coloration of adult males. On average, males weigh around 38 kg, while females weigh approximately 27 kg.
๐ต๐ฐ In Pakistan, the Blackbuck population in the wild has declined drastically over past decades, particularly due to illegal hunting. Today, the species is largely associated with managed and protected populations rather than freely roaming populations in its former range.
๐ฟ Blackbuck Conservation at CBC
In 2015, Houbara Foundation International Pakistan established the H.H. Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al-Nahyan Conservation Breeding Centre (CBC), Lalsuhanara, for the conservation and breeding of antelopes in Pakistan.
At the beginning of the programme, 50 Blackbucks, sponsored by the Punjab Wildlife Department, were released into CBCโs vast 147-square-kilometre protected habitat.
The species has since been breeding successfully under semi-wild conditions, and its population at CBC has now increased to approximately 350 healthy animals. Newly born fawns, sub-adults and adults can frequently be observed forming groups of around 10โ35 animals and roaming freely throughout the enclosureโreflecting the continued progress of the breeding programme. ๐ฆ๐ฆ๐ฆ
The fully fenced and protected CBC habitat comprises:
๐พ Extensive open grasslands
๐ฟ Natural scrublands
๐๏ธ Vegetated sand dunes
๐ง 18+ large rain-fed water tobas and some additional water points
๐ณ Thousands of trees providing natural forage and shelter
The Blackbucks live largely on natural grazing and browsing, with no cultivated green fodder or formulated feed provided in any season. The habitat is maintained in an undisturbed condition with minimum human intervention, allowing the animals to breed and behave naturally. Sick or injured animals, however, receive professional veterinary care from the Centreโs veterinarians when required.
๐ฏ The ultimate objective is to establish a thriving Blackbuck population at CBC and, where appropriate conservation conditions permit, support future efforts to return the species to suitable areas of its former wild range in Pakistan.
Maintaining a 147-square-kilometre protected habitat dedicated to antelope conservation represents a substantial long-term commitment by Houbara Foundation International Pakistan towards conserving Blackbuck and contributing to the protection of Pakistanโs wildlife biodiversity. ๐ต๐ฐ๐ฟ
From 50 Blackbucks in 2015 to approximately 600+ today โ conservation through protected habitat, natural breeding and long-term commitment. ๐๐ฆ
