What is the Bishnoi community's role in conserving the Abohar Wildlife Sanctuary?

The Bishnoi community has a rich history of biodiversity conservation and considers the blackbuck, Punjab's state animal, as sacred. However, their intrinsic cultural and religious motivations are no longer enough to protect the sanctuary, and they now seek government support and incentives.

How has the Abohar Wildlife Sanctuary changed over the years?

The sanctuary was originally classified as birani, or sandy land, with minimal agriculture. However, after the construction of Rajasthan and Bikaner canals, the area now receives ample water for cultivation, leading to a reduction in wilderness and increased human-wildlife conflicts.

What are the Bishnoi community's views on sharing their land for biodiversity conservation?

The study reveals that 92% of respondents in the sample size were ready to allow wild animals to graze in their fields, but 39% said they wanted compensation in lieu of sharing land for biodiversity conservation.

Home / Environment / Bishnoi Community Fights to Save Blackbucks, Seeks Government Aid

Bishnoi Community Fights to Save Blackbucks, Seeks Government Aid

29 Oct

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Summary

Abohar Wildlife Sanctuary home to blackbucks, Punjab's state animal
Bishnoi community's cultural conservation efforts no longer enough
92% of respondents willing to allow wildlife grazing, 39% want compensation

Bishnoi Community Fights to Save Blackbucks, Seeks Government Aid

As of October 2025, the Abohar Wildlife Sanctuary (AWS) in Punjab, which is home to the blackbuck, Punjab's state animal, is facing significant challenges in its conservation efforts. The sanctuary, established in 1975, is located on private land belonging to the Bishnoi community, who have a rich history of biodiversity conservation.

However, the conversion of more land for cultivation and the reduction in wilderness over the years have largely threatened the survival of many species, including the blackbuck. The study reveals that while the Bishnoi community is still willing to allow wild animals to graze on their fields, with 61% of respondents expressing this sentiment, 39% now want compensation in lieu of sharing their land for biodiversity conservation.

The study also highlights that the Bishnoi community's intrinsic cultural and religious motivations for conservation are no longer enough, and there is a need for external government support, including compensation and incentive-based schemes like ecotourism, to ensure the continued protection of the sanctuary and its wildlife.

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