Blackbuck

Blackbuck Latest News

Over the last five years, the Chhattisgarh government has successfully reintroduced the blackbuck back into the state’s forests through its five-year reintroduction plan.

About Blackbuck

• It is a species of antelope native to India and Nepal.
• Scientific Name: Antilope cervicapra
• Distribution: 
  • It is widespread in the states of Rajasthan, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Odisha, and other areas throughout peninsular India.
  • It has been declared as the state animal by the governments of Punjab, Haryana, and Andhra Pradesh. 
• Habitat: The blackbuck mostly lives in open grasslands, dry scrub areas, and thinly forested areas.

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Blackbuck Features

• It is a medium-sized antelope. 
• It is known for its beautiful spiraling horns. Only the male blackbucks have these horns. They can grow quite long, sometimes over 20 inches.
• Male blackbucks are usually dark brown or black on their backs and sides. They have white fur on their bellies, inner legs, and around their eyes. This creates a striking contrast. 
• Young males and females are lighter in color, often yellowish-brown.
• They have very good eyesight and are also very fast runners, which comprise their main defense against predators. They can reach speeds of up to 50 miles per hour.
• They are gregarious and social animals with herds generally ranging from 5 to 50 animals.

Blackbuck Conservation Status

It is classified as ‘Least Concerned’ under the IUCN Red List.

Source: IE