Karnataka's Forest Department is removing eucalyptus trees from Ranebennur Blackbuck Sanctuary in Haveri district to restore grassland ecosystems and enable reintroduction of the critically endangered Great Indian Bustard (GIB).
Eucalyptus plantations, once covering 80% of the sanctuary, have severely disrupted native habitats. These invasive trees suppress grass growth and displace blackbucks and wolves, while preventing the open terrain that bustards require for predator surveillance.
400 hectares of eucalyptus have been cleared from the 1,200-hectare sanctuary. 200 additional hectares are undergoing clearance. Target: 1,000 hectares by 2025 per the 10-year management plan. Revenue generated: ₹4.32 crore from timber sales.
Over 40% of the blackbuck population now remains within sanctuary boundaries, reducing agricultural conflicts and compensation claims from local farmers.
Fewer than 140 Great Indian Bustards remain globally. 45 chicks are being bred at Jaisalmer's National Conservation Breeding Centre. Multiple states are being evaluated for reintroduction sites.
Ecologist Sutirtha Dutta emphasises that removing eucalyptus is merely preliminary — active native grassland restoration is essential for bustard survival.