Preparations are underway to relocate blackbucks from the Hirapur grassland of Shuklaphanta National Park, and Khairapur in Bardiya, authorities said.

The relocation plan follows a decision by the Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation to move blackbucks from the areas to forest areas in Tikauli within the Barandabhar corridor in Chitwan.

The Department had conducted a feasibility study four years ago, proposing relocation to the Panchakanya Community Forest in the Barandabhar forest conservation area.

Deputy Director General of the Department Bed Kumar Dhakal said the process will proceed with a detailed action plan following a recent ministerial-level decision. “A decision has been made at the ministerial level, and based on earlier studies, we will now carry out the relocation process,” he said.

A total of 18 blackbucks—six males and 12 females—will be relocated. “The exact number from each location has not been finalised,” said senior ecologist Hari Bhadra Acharya. “Relocation is an effective conservation strategy. If an epidemic or disaster affects one area, conserving the species elsewhere can prevent extinction.”

He said winter is more suitable for relocation than the current summer season due to high temperatures and stress during capture and transport. If carried out now, relocation will be scheduled during relatively cooler periods.

An enclosure spanning 19.6 hectares has been built along the Khajeri river in the Barandabhar protected forest area. Blackbucks from Hirapur and Khairapur will be kept there.

Chief of the Division Forest Office, Chitwan, Bishnu Acharya, said work will begin to manage grasslands, ensure water supply and repair the enclosure. He said the relocation is supported by Ratnanagar Municipality and is expected to be completed by mid-May.

In 2013, 42 blackbucks were relocated to Hirapur from Khairapur and the Nepalgunj zoo. The 58-hectare enclosure, designed for around 100 animals, now holds nearly 300.

The Park has long been preparing management plans for blackbucks, with discussions on releasing them into natural habitats or relocating them. “With the population growing, management challenges have increased,” said conservation officer Purushottam Wagle. “We had prepared a plan and submitted a proposal to the department.”