The Blackbuck

The Blackbuck (Antelope cervacapra), a common name for the Indian Antelope, is one of the fastest mammals on the planet, especially able to run quickly to escape predators on the open plains. The animals are sometimes able to run in excess of 50 miles per hour. They are currently fiercely protected by some tribes in Nepal as they are very endangered because of hunting.

Blackbucks are found mainly in India, Pakistan, and Nepal. They live on the open plains, most often in animal sanctuaries, but the animals have been introduced into the United States and Argentina. They can live in woodlands as long as there are large, open areas, and they thrive in desert locales. They are most active during dawn and dusk and prefer to rest in the shade during the hottest parts of the day.

At the full adult height, Blackbuck males stand about 32 inches (80 cm), shoulder height, and can weigh as much as 95 pounds (43 kg). The male of the species is dark brown with black markings on its neck and legs and white circles around the eyes with a white underbelly. The most distinguishing features of the male Blackbuck are the spiraling horns - they stand straight off of the head and can reach a staggering length of 28 inches (70 cm). The female animals are smaller, light brown, and without horns. Young, immature males are also light brown like the females and get their horns and darkened coloring as they mature.

Blackbucks are grazers and eat the grasses of the open prairies that they reside in. They have also been known to eat flowers, bushes and shrubs, and fruits. They are water dependent and can’t produce moisture from their food and so must live in an area with a sure supply of water.

At sexual maturity of one and a half to two years, the male Blackbuck will establish his dominance and mate a group of females. This usually happens at the peak of the mating season in the spring and fall. Pregnancies usually last about five months, and then, after birth, the fawn will alternate nursing and lying in the grass until about two weeks of age, when it will join the herd. The fawn is usually weaned after about six months but will stay with the mother for over a year. Each female will generally give birth twice a year and can usually live for 10-12 years. The oldest living Blackbuck recorded was 18 years.

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