New methods of trapping, organising a deer safari, introducing wolves, and even culling all are being talked about to reduce the population of black bucks, which has shot up to 7,000 and has been playing havoc with crops. But each method has its own problems.

In February, six animals had died from shock, when the department tried to trap them for relocation. So the department is ``refining the method of capturing black bucks'', says Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF) A.P. Misra.

It has created an enclosure of 2,500 square metres and grown kachko grass to attract animals. The enclosure is open so that the animals can come and go. ``The idea is to get the animals conditioned to human presence so that they do not get shock when captured,'' an officer said.

But the animals are mostly staying away from the enclosure, said a department source. Opinion on creating a 400-acre black buck safari is divided. ``Of the 7,000 odd black bucks, how many can we keep in 400 acres? Not more than 500,'' said an officer. ``What do you do with the rest?''.

Another officer points out that the department does not have land in the area. ``And even if you put 500 black bucks, the number is so large and the animal is such a prolific breeder that the safari would become inadequate before long,'' said the officer. ``It is a short-term solution.''

Misra believes that carnivores, like wolves, may have to be released in the area ``at some point of time'' to control the population of black bucks. But this may not be acceptable to the local people, for the wolves can become a threat to children. The option of culling may also run into opposition from the local people, he said. At the same time, Misra realises that ``a permanent solution'' has to be found. ``Once such a large population of black bucks is available, it should be preserved at any cost,'' he said.

Perhaps, the villagers could keep watch-dogs to chase away black bucks from their farms, he suggests. Gujarat Ecological Education & Research (GEER) Foundation director H.S. Singh says that the animals could be captured with ``improved techniques'', but admits it is a ``complex'' issue. He is confident of a way out.