The western region has plenty of national parks and Blackbuck ( Velavadar) National Park is unique . It is situated in the grasslands of Saurashtra, known as Bhal, just sixty-five kms away from Bhavnagar. It is amongst the final existing stretches of comparatively serene grasslands famous for Blackbuck, Wolf and Lesser Florican. This 34.08 sq km area stretches between two seasonal rivers of the Gulf of Cambay.
The origin of Blackbuck (Velavadar) National Park has a rich history behind it. Bhavnagar`s royal family makes use of this area as their private grazing grounds and also as a hunting reserve. Blackbucks shared the alluvial plains with large herds of livestock, and were hunted down with the help of trained cheetahs. In the post-independence era, various ill practices like the gun firing, the plowing and gathering of livestock brought about desolation to the wild life, including the Blackbuck populace. Blackbuck (Velavadar) National Park was saved when the local environmentalists came forth for its protection. Also the royal family closed the practice of giving the lands on lease for the purpose of grazing and grass cutting. In the year 1969 it was declared as a sanctuary and lastly, it received the status of a national park in the year 1976.
Black bucks are an integral part of the park. They are about two thousand in numbers; one can easily catch hold of a shy Blackbuck, running across the continual grasslands. For the tourists the Blackbuck ( Velavadar) National Park has a lot to offer . The male blackbucks have got pecuiliar horns spiraling to even 60 cm in length. A multitude of horns twisting above the swaying grass seems almost surreal, and to see them zipping across the plains in leaps and bounds, followed by a light-footed sprint, is an amazing experience. The Blackbuck is renowned as the fastest and original one among various antelopes with large hoofs. Each and every thing about it is beautiful, even the sight of two grooving males getting ready for fighting, boasting with their heads which are held high, their superb horns thrown in the back.
Apart from the presence of Blackbuck in huge number in Blackbuck (Velavadar) National Park, numerous other mammalians are seen. These include Jackal and Jungle Cat. Once one glimpses a wolf, sneaking its ways to catch hold of small animals and birds. The howling of jackals in the dusky nights gives an eerie feeling.
One cannot leave the place without the starling glimpse of birds, flying hither and tether with in the Blackbuck (Velavadar) National Park. The rare Lesser Florican is one of them. It arrives at the onset of monsoon for breeding. During the chilly winter months, hunting birds assemble in huge number. Blackbuck (Velavadar) National Park is the perfect resting ground for harriers, seen to be flying in the low regions. Lesser Florican, MacQueen`s wader, Pallid Harrier, Montagu`s Harrier, Eurasian Marsh Harrier, Hen Harrier, Short-toed Eagle, Steppe Eagle, Imperial Eagle, Black-shouldered Kite, Laggar Falcon, Red-necked Falcon. Short-eared Owls are some of the bird raptors that are found here.
Grey Francolin, Rock Bush Quail, Savanna Nightjar, Indian Nightjar, Sirkcer Malkoha, Blue-cheeked Bee-eater, Southern Grey Shrike, Crested Lark, Rufous-tailed Lark, Rufous-tailed Shrike, Desert Wheatear, Variable Wheatear, Large Grey Babbler, Black-headed Bunting, Red-headed Bunting are seen in the open areas.
Other mammals like Jungle Cat, Common Indian Mongoose, Nilgai (Blue Bull) {below), Indian Desert Gerbil, Black-naped Hare, Wild Boar too are found in large numbers through out the year.
By the side of water bodies, Sarus Crane, Demoiselle Crane, Common Crane, Painted Stork, Asian Openbill, Bar-tailed Godwit, Black-winged Stilt, White Stork throng in great exuberance.
Quite distinctive from other wild life sanctuaries, Blackbuck (Velavadar) National Park is saved from being extinct due to the consciousness of local inhabitants. Especially the Kathi community has played a decisive role in conservation of the Blackbuck and other wildlife in the park.
