Plant diversity of Point Calimere Wildlife Sanctuary and fodder species grazed by the Blackbuck Antilope cervicapra L.

A rapid but intense survey was conducted using visual landmarks in the Point Calimere Wildlife Sanctuary to enumerate flora and foraging habits of Blackbuck Antelope cervicapra. The area divided into various segments such as sanctuary entrance, Maattu muni kovil, Savukku plot or Casuarina plantation, S-Bend road old light house for precise enumeration. total 111 plant species that include 50 herbs, 16 climbers/lianas, 30 shrubs sub-shrubs, 15 trees belonging 39 families were recorded this study. Visual observations showed Blackbucks grazed on grasses Mangrove Grass Aeluropus lagopoides (L.) Thwaites, Dog’s Tooth Cynodon barberi Rang. & Tadul., Indian Durva dactylon Pers., Feather Finger Chloris virgata Sw., a sedge, pointed fimbristylis Fimbristylis acuminata Vahl during day time. They also observed browsing leaves pods Algaroba Prosopis juliflora (Sw.) DC. evenings. Our observation presence feral horses stray cattle shows they compete food water with Blackbuck. spread invasive alien competes reduces space native species.