Blackbuck Antelope
General Characteristics
One of the few antelope which exhibits pronounced sexual dimorphism, the genders in the blackbuck are readily distinguishable. Both sexes have white underparts, including the insides of the legs and lower chest, as well as a white ring surrounding the eye and a white chin. Females and young are yellowish-fawn on their back and head, and are generally hornless. Males gradually darken from tan to deep brown or black with age, beginning after 2 years. The build is slender, and the tail short. The horns, found only in males and appearing before their pronounced color change, are twisted in a tight spiral with up to five turns. Ridged laterally, they may grow 14-29 inches.
Conservation Status
The blackbuck is considered endangered poaching and habitat destruction has also contributed to the endangerment of this species. The Black Buck Antelope is endangered in Nepal and in India it is protected.
Distribution
Dry woodland and clearings in India and eastern Pakistan.
Ecology and Behavior
During the cooler seasons, blackbuck are active intermittently throughout the hours of daylight. As the temperature rises, however, they are more often seen grazing in the open in the early morning and late afternoon, sheltering from the sun for the rest of the day. When a potential threat is spotted, the alert females are usually first to sound the alarm, with one individual leaping into the air. This motion is followed by the entire herd, although after a few large bounds the herd reduces its pace to a normal gallop. One of the fastest land mammals, blackbuck have been clocked going in excess of 48 mph. Population densities are approximately 1 animal per 2 hectares. During the breeding season males become territorial, defending an area usually ranging in size from 1 to 17 hectares from rival males, and attempting to keep the largest group of females within it for the longest period of time. This territoriality can last anywhere from two weeks to eight months. Dominance among males within a herd is achieved primarily with posturing and threatening gestures: fights with the sharp horns are rare.
Family group: Mixed herds with 5-50 animals, generally with three or fewer males. Bachelor herds are known.
Diet: Grasses, leaves, buds, field fruits.
Main Predators: Cheetah, wolf, rarely tiger and leopard.
One of the few antelope which exhibits pronounced sexual dimorphism, the genders in the blackbuck are readily distinguishable. Both sexes have white underparts, including the insides of the legs and lower chest, as well as a white ring surrounding the eye and a white chin. Females and young are yellowish-fawn on their back and head, and are generally hornless. Males gradually darken from tan to deep brown or black with age, beginning after 2 years. The build is slender, and the tail short. The horns, found only in males and appearing before their pronounced color change, are twisted in a tight spiral with up to five turns. Ridged laterally, they may grow 14-29 inches.
Conservation Status
The blackbuck is considered endangered poaching and habitat destruction has also contributed to the endangerment of this species. The Black Buck Antelope is endangered in Nepal and in India it is protected.
Distribution
Dry woodland and clearings in India and eastern Pakistan.
Ecology and Behavior
During the cooler seasons, blackbuck are active intermittently throughout the hours of daylight. As the temperature rises, however, they are more often seen grazing in the open in the early morning and late afternoon, sheltering from the sun for the rest of the day. When a potential threat is spotted, the alert females are usually first to sound the alarm, with one individual leaping into the air. This motion is followed by the entire herd, although after a few large bounds the herd reduces its pace to a normal gallop. One of the fastest land mammals, blackbuck have been clocked going in excess of 48 mph. Population densities are approximately 1 animal per 2 hectares. During the breeding season males become territorial, defending an area usually ranging in size from 1 to 17 hectares from rival males, and attempting to keep the largest group of females within it for the longest period of time. This territoriality can last anywhere from two weeks to eight months. Dominance among males within a herd is achieved primarily with posturing and threatening gestures: fights with the sharp horns are rare.
Family group: Mixed herds with 5-50 animals, generally with three or fewer males. Bachelor herds are known.
Diet: Grasses, leaves, buds, field fruits.
Main Predators: Cheetah, wolf, rarely tiger and leopard.