blackbucks

The blackbuck, Antilope cervicapra, is a species of antelope native to India and Nepal. They are known for their distinctive spiral horns, which are present in males and can grow up to 75 cm long. Females are hornless. Blackbucks are medium-sized antelopes, standing about 80 cm tall at the shoulder and weighing between 35 and 45 kg. Males are easily recognizable by their reddish-brown coat with a white underside and distinctive black stripes on their legs and face. Females and young males are a pale fawn color.

Blackbucks are diurnal and primarily graze on grasses. They are also known to eat leaves, flowers, and fruits. They are social animals, typically living in herds of 5 to 50 individuals, though larger aggregations can occur. Herds are usually composed of females and their young, with males often solitary or forming bachelor groups. During the mating season, males establish territories and defend them fiercely.

The blackbuck's habitat includes grasslands, open woodlands, and scrublands. They are well-adapted to arid and semi-arid environments. Historically, blackbucks were widespread across the Indian subcontinent, but their range has significantly decreased due to habitat loss, hunting, and fragmentation of populations. Conservation efforts have been implemented to protect the species, and their population has shown some recovery in certain areas. The blackbuck is considered Near Threatened by the IUCN.