Berhampur: Blackbucks were seen racing towards higher ground from inundated low-lying areas of flood-hit Ganjam, while visuals of some of the endangered animals battling strong currents raised concern over their safety following the cyclone.Amid reports that some blackbucks had been swept away, forest officials said the animals in the widely circulated visuals had safely crossed the swollen Rushikulya river and reached nearby forest areas. “After verification, we have confirmed that only three blackbucks at Khandadeuli under Khallikote forest range crossed the Rushikulya, which was in spate following incessant rain. All three have safely reached the nearby forest area,” Berhampur DFO Sunny Khokar said.Ganjam is Odisha’s only blackbuck habitat. The latest census, conducted in Feb, recorded 9,287 blackbucks in the district, including 5,832 females, 2,104 males and 1,351 young ones. The species is protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. As massive flooding affected Ganjam, forest authorities formed nine teams across the district’s three forest divisions to monitor wildlife, including blackbucks and mugger crocodiles in Ghodahada reservoir near Digapahandi.Berhampur regional chief conservator of forests Vishwanath Neelannavar said the teams were tasked with clearing roads by removing fallen trees and branches. “So far, the teams have not reported any wildlife casualty from anywhere in the district,” he said.