Amid the many claims made in the country about protecting wildlife, a worrying reality has come to light. Dr. Ranjan Tomar, a social worker and RTI activist originally from Noida, has obtained information under the Right to Information Act which shows that between the year 2020 and April 2026, a total of 114 incidents linked to the hunting or illegal poaching of the blackbuck were recorded across the country, resulting in the deaths of these rare animals.
This information was provided by the Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB), headquartered in New Delhi under the Government of India. The Bureau also clarified that these figures were compiled on the basis of information received from the forest departments and police departments of various states. The blackbuck is listed among protected species, and hunting it is treated as a serious crime.
Most Incidents Reported in Andhra Pradesh
Speaking to local media, Dr. Ranjan Tomar said that according to the data obtained through RTI, the highest number of cases of blackbuck deaths and poaching surfaced in Andhra Pradesh. However, when it came to action, Madhya Pradesh led the way, with the most arrests during this period at 12 accused. Apart from this, 7 arrests were recorded in Andhra Pradesh, 6 in Karnataka, 4 in Maharashtra, 4 in Jharkhand and 1 in Bihar. These figures show that even though poaching incidents have come to light in many states, reaching the accused and arresting them still remains a major challenge. He believes that the system for investigating and monitoring wildlife crimes needs to be strengthened further.
The Blackbuck Is a Vital Part of Biodiversity
Dr. Tomar said that the blackbuck is not just a wild animal but an important part of the country's biodiversity and natural heritage. Despite this, the poaching incidents that keep coming to light are a matter of deep concern. He said that if 114 blackbucks have died in poaching or related incidents over six years even while wildlife protection laws exist, it is a serious warning for the entire system. According to him, these figures also make it clear that to curb wildlife crimes, there is a need to develop better coordination between the states and central agencies, technological surveillance and an effective intelligence network.
Dr. Tomar also said that protecting wildlife is not the responsibility of government agencies alone, but every citizen of society has an important role to play in it. He demanded a regular review of cases linked to the poaching of the blackbuck and other protected species, speedy investigation and strict action against the guilty. He said that until public awareness increases and the participation of people at the local level is ensured, it will remain difficult to effectively rein in wildlife crimes. These figures emerging through RTI once again raise the question of just how many stronger steps still need to be taken to save the country's protected wildlife wealth.
