| Scientific Name
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Antilope cervicapra
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| Classification
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Phylum Chordata, Class Mammalia, Order Artiodactyla, Family Bovidae
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| Status
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Endangered, black bucks have been over hunted and are in danger of becoming extinct
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| Range
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India, Nepal, and Pakistan
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| Habitat
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Open grasslands, dry thorn, brush lands, and scrublands
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| Diet
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Grass, leaves, pods, fruits, shrubs, and flowers.
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| Size
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Height: 32 inches at shoulder
Weight: Males 71 - 95 lbs Females slightly smaller
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| Lifespan
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12 - 16 yrs.
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| Location
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Print Fact Sheet
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Blackbuck
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Conservation
Poaching and habitat destruction has contributed to the endangerment of this species. They are protected in India and Nepal. Zoos and wildlife parks are breeding these beautiful antelope.
Special Features
- Male black buck have black fur on their upper parts and white fur on their chest, belly, the inner sides of their legs, and on their muzzle and chin.
- Female black buck antelope are smaller, are beige or light brown, and usually do not have horns. If they do they are not ringed or spiraled.
- Black buck antelope are one of the fastest animals on earth and can out run any other animal over long distances. They can run almost 50 miles per hour when necessary.
- Dogs and wolves are their predators.
- Black buck antelope have very keen eyesight.
Social Structure & Behavior
Black buck antelope live in female groups of 15 or 20. There are mixed groups, bachelor groups, and territorial males. Territorial males are dominate and occupy prime grazing areas along with the females groups.
The males rut, or fight and spar, year round, although they rarely hurt each other. When the rut (mating season) reaches a peak, one male establishes dominance.
Breeding and care of young
The males hold their noses up, placing their horns parallel to their back, to attract the females during the mating season.
The female black buck antelope carry their fawn for about 5 months. They generally have 2 fawns per year that are born approximately 6 months apart. The fawn joins the mother with the rest of the group at about 2 weeks of age. Up until that time it lies in the grass between nursing.
Young male bucks join the bachelor groups when they are between 6 months and one year.
Females stay with their mother for up to a year.
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