Blackbuck (Antilope cervicapra)*

Geographic Range: Palearctic, Oriental: The blackbuck is found in Pakistan and India.

Physical Characteristics: Mass: 32 to 43kg. Adult bucks stand approximately 73.7 - 83.8cm at the shoulder and on average have a head and body length of 120cm. The blackbuck is one of the few antelope whose color differs between the sexes. The males are rich dark brown above, on the sides, and on the outside of the legs. Females tend to be yellowish in the same areas. Both sexes exhibit white under parts and insides of the legs, and a prominent white circular patch around the eye. Males gradually become darker with age. Blackbucks have a graceful and slender build. The horns are borne only by the males and range from 50-61cm; they are ringed at the base and twist spirally up to approximately 4 turns. The muzzle is sheep like, the tail is short, and the hooves are delicate and sharply pointed.

Food Habits: Blackbucks are grazers, they feed on short grass and various cultivated cereals. Concerning their drinking habits, T.J. Roberts writes, It has been reliably established that they do not drink water even when it is available...It may be, that they can recirculate the nitrogen in their bodies rather than having to excrete their urine.

Reproduction: Mating occurs throughout the year, with the most activity in March - April and August - October. During the rut, the mature male establishes a territory by regularly depositing feces in particular places. Males are extremely aggressive during this time and drive all other males from their territory by a throaty grunt and an occasional horn fight. The gestation period is about six months, and most of the time a single young is born. The young is able to run soon after birth.

Behavior: Blackbucks are gregarious and social animals with herds generally ranging from 5 to 50 animals. The herds are harems, with a single adult male and a number of adult females and their young. They tend to be diurnal during the cool season. In the hot season, they are active in the very early morning and late afternoon, resting in the shade at other times. Because of past persecutions, blackbuck are very shy and wary. Their sense of smell and hearing are not highly developed so they rely on eyesight in detecting danger. When in danger, a single male bounds in the air and is soon followed by the rest of the herd. These animals have great speed and endurance; when in danger they can maintain a gallop with a speed of 40 miles/hr for approximately 15 miles. They are usually silent, but sometimes females give a hissing noise that warns the herd of danger.

Habitat: Blackbuck live on open woodlands and semi-desert areas, but also enjoy areas with thorn or dry deciduous forest. They like to stay near areas where grassland is available. Only on hot days blackbucks rest in the shade.

Biomes: temperate grassland, tropical savanna and grasslands.

*Reprinted with permission from the Alternative Livestock Reference Guide, Exotic Wildlife Assiciation