Blackbuck

Blackbuck Latest News

Wildlife officials admit that the population of black bucks has declined sharply over the years in the Abohar Wildlife Sanctuary, Punjab.

About Blackbuck

• It is a species of antelope native to India and Nepal.
• Scientific Name: Antilope cervicapra
• 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.

Blackbuck Features

• They are covered with dark brown or black, sleek fur. The chest, belly, muzzle, and chin of the males are covered in white fur. 
• The eyes of the males are covered in white rings. 
• The males have ringed horns that grow up to about 28 inches in length. 
• They weigh about 70 to 95 pounds and grow up to a height of about 32 inches. 
• The females are much smaller than their male counterparts. The females also have horns but they are not ringed or spiraled. 
• They have very good eyesight and are also very fast runners, which comprise its main defense against predators.

Blackbuck Conservation status

• IUCN Red List: Least concerned
• Wildlife Protection Act of 1972: Schedule I
• CITES: Appendix III

Key Facts about Abohar Wildlife Sanctuary       

• It is located in the state of Punjab.
• The entire area of Sanctuary is private or community-owned land of 13 Bishnoi villages.
• Flora: Albizia lebbeck, Acacia nilotica, Azadirachata indica, A. tortilis etc.
• Fauna: Wild Boar, Blue Fauna Bull, Porcupines, Hare, Jackal, etc.

Source: TI

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