Abohar Wildlife Sanctuary

Abohar Wildlife Sanctuary in Fazilka district, Punjab, is an open sanctuary covering about 18,650 hectares across 13 villages inhabited mainly by the Bishnoi community. Established in 1975 and reaffirmed in 2000, it is well-known for conserving blackbuck deer, considered sacred by the Bishnois, and blue bulls (nilgai). The sanctuary is unique for protecting wildlife within private farmlands, where these animals roam freely alongside the local villages.

Besides blackbucks and blue bulls, the sanctuary hosts other species like hares, jackals, wild boars, and various plants such as acacia and neem. The Bishnoi people's traditional conservation efforts have made it one of the largest free-ranging blackbuck populations in India. However, blackbuck numbers have faced decline recently due to habitat loss, fencing, and predation threats.

The sanctuary also offers opportunities for wildlife safaris, birdwatching, trekking, and cultural interaction with the Bishnoi community, making it both a conservation success and a unique ecological and cultural destination. It lies near the India-Pakistan border and is accessible from nearby towns like Abohar and Fazilka.