Vantara supports rewilding of 20 blackbucks in Gujarat’s Banni Grasslands

Vantara has supported the Gujarat Forest Department in the release of 20 blackbucks into the Banni Grasslands of Kutch, as part of efforts to restore native herbivore populations and strengthen the grassland ecosystem.

The release, carried out on India’s 80th Independence Day, comprised five male and 15 female blackbucks transferred from Vantara in Jamnagar. The exercise was undertaken after approvals from the Chief Wildlife Warden, Gujarat, and the Central Zoo Authority (CZA).

Vantara, founded by Reliance Industries Executive Director Anant Ambani, provided technical support for the exercise. The animals underwent veterinary examination, health screening, quarantine and disease surveillance before being transported and released in Banni, according to the organisation.

“Species restoration is not simply about releasing animals; it requires a thorough understanding of the habitat, the species and the individual animals being released,” said Ajit Kulkarni, Special Director, Compliance & Due Diligence, Vantara. He added that habitat dynamics, population planning and support from local communities are important for the long-term sustainability of such programmes.

Banni is a major grassland landscape in Gujarat that supports pastoral communities and several native wildlife species. Blackbuck, chinkara, nilgai and wild boar have historically been part of its herbivore population. Restoring these species is aimed at supporting the grassland’s ecological balance, including natural predator-prey relationships.

Part of wider Gujarat programme

The release is part of a wider programme to strengthen native herbivore populations in Gujarat. The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has approved the translocation of 500 blackbucks and 100 chinkara.

Parts of the wider programme are intended to augment the prey base for the planned cheetah reintroduction programme, while the Banni exercise is also aimed at restoring blackbuck populations native to the grasslands.

The Banni Grassland Forest Division has sought Vantara’s support for the broader programme, including specialised herbivore transport vehicles, portable boma systems, veterinary expertise and assistance with handling and transportation.

“Restoring native wildlife is fundamental to restoring healthy landscapes,” said Dr Jaipal Singh, IFS, Chief Wildlife Warden, Gujarat. He termed the release an “important milestone” in efforts to restore the ecological character and biodiversity of Banni.

Vantara has previously supported the Gujarat Forest Department in rewilding nearly 80 spotted deer in Barda Wildlife Sanctuary, following approval from the Chief Wildlife Warden.

The organisation said its conservation work includes veterinary care, wildlife management, animal translocation and post-release monitoring, alongside its rescue and rehabilitation operations.