Blackbucks have learned to survive in human-dominated landscapes by finding ‘tiny refuge’ for themselves. Although native to India, blackbucks are found here only in small, scattered herds and that too in protected areas. In Karnataka, blackbucks have found protection in the reserves of Ranebennur (Haveri) and Jayamangali (Tumakuru). A recent research by scientists has revealed that blackbucks, categorised as a ‘near-threatened species’ in the International Union for Conservation of Nature list, have adapted themselves to human habitat. However, over the years, their numbers have declined due to excessive hunting, deforestation and habitat degradation.