Evaluation of crop damage caused by blue bull in agriculture land near Junagadh
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.22079268Keywords:
Blue bull, Boselaphus tragocamelus, Crop raiding, Fields, Feeding, Junagadh, Economic LossAbstract
The Blue Bull (Boselaphus tragocamelus), locally known as the Nilgai or Roz, is the largest Asian antelope and a significant agricultural pest in Gujarat. While widely dispersed throughout the state, its presence is particularly damaging to groundnut cultivation. To evaluate this conflict, a survey was conducted across eight villages within the study area, utilizing random farmer interviews. Although historically considered year-round inhabitants, recent observations indicate these antelopes are most prevalent in agricultural fields during the summer and winter. During the rainy season, they typically enter farms only after crops have reached a specific growth stage. The species exhibits a destructive preference for vegetable crops over staples such as rice, wheat, mustard, and maize. Annual crop destruction is estimated at 63%, representing a substantial financial loss for local farmers. Currently, effective control measures are largely unavailable to manage their prevalence. By detailing the seasonal and crop-specific behavior of the Blue Bull, this study aims to provide the foundation for developing more effective mitigation strategies in the future.
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