Scores of Indian antelopes (blackbuck-antilope cervicapra) fled from the islands in river Godavari and its branches as their habitations have been flooded downstream of Sir Arthur Cotton (SAC) barrage in Andhra Pradesh.
Pichuka Lanka near the SAC barrage is home to a large number of blackbucks. Nearly 51 islands have been affected by the Godavari flood, which made the officials evacuate people from the islands. However, there was apparently no plan to rescue wildlife as it was not considered viable for various conservation reasons.
Being acquainted with the local environment and human habitations, scores of blackbucks fled from the islands. A stranded blackbuck, which was bitten by the stray dogs, died while undergoing medical treatment near Pichuka Lakna on Saturday.
