ABOUT VELVADAR BLACKBUCK NATIONAL PARK

Established in 1976, Blackbuck National Park is located in Bhavnagar district of Gujarat. Perched on the fringes of the Gulf of Khambhat in the south, it is surrounded by wastelands and agriculture fields in the north. The park is characterized by flat land, dry grasses and serves as a habitat for blackbucks. A small portion of the reserve is covered by invasive prosopis shrub and about 10 sq Km area consists of saline lands and high tidal mudflats. The landscape of the park turns lush green during monsoon. However, the region faces threat from droughts.

The major tourist attraction of the park is endangered blackbuck which lives mostly on the northern side of the park. Found only in South Asia and once across India, the species is now confined to Rajasthan and Gujarat. Other animals found here include jungle fox, Indian grey wolf, striped hyena, golden jackal, jungle cat, hare, gerbil, field mice, mongoose and hedgehog. The Park is also a breeding ground for rare bird Lesser Florican. Other birds found here include harriers, eagles, waders, macqueens, bustard, larks, wheatears, sandgrouse, quails, saras crane, vultures, storks, ducks, pelicans, craners and herons.

WHEN TO GO ?

The best time to visit the park is from December to March.