Karnataka wildlife authorities are facing a growing conservation crisis as the remaining seven blackbucks at a local zoo are suspected to be infected with the same bacterial infection that killed several of the endangered antelopes.
Expert Analysis Points to Bacterial Infection
Chief Conservator of Forests (CCF) Manjunath Chavan confirmed the alarming development to reporters during a press briefing at the zoo on November 17, 2025. The senior forest official disclosed that wildlife experts from Bengaluru who conducted post-mortem examinations on the deceased blackbucks identified suspected bacterial infection as the cause of death.
"Based on the opinion of the expert team that traveled from Bengaluru specifically to conduct the post-mortem procedures, we have determined that the animals succumbed to what appears to be a bacterial infection," Chavan stated during the media interaction.
Remaining Animals Under Close Monitoring
The situation has raised significant concerns among conservationists as the infection may have spread to the seven surviving blackbucks at the facility. Wildlife officials have placed the remaining animals under intensive observation and have implemented emergency medical protocols.
Forest department personnel are working round-the-clock to monitor the health status of the potentially infected blackbucks. Veterinary specialists have been deployed to the zoo to provide immediate medical attention and prevent further casualties among the protected species.
Conservation Implications and Next Steps
This health crisis represents a significant setback for blackbuck conservation efforts in Karnataka. The blackbuck, known scientifically as Antilope cervicapra, is listed under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972, granting it the highest level of protection under Indian law.
Forest department officials have initiated several critical measures in response to the outbreak:
- Immediate quarantine protocols for affected and potentially affected animals
- Comprehensive sanitization of enclosures and surrounding areas
- Collection of environmental samples to identify the source of infection
- Coordination with national wildlife health experts for additional support
The department has assured that every possible measure is being taken to safeguard the remaining blackbucks and contain the spread of the infection. Regular updates on the animals' condition are expected as the situation develops.
