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SPECIES PROFILE
Blackbuck (Antilope cervicapra)
Antilope
IUCN STATUS
Near Threatened
CONSERVATION STATUS
Near Threatened
CLASS
Mammalia
GEOGRAPHICAL RANGE
Western, central, and southern India; Rajasthan to Tamil Nadu
DIET
Herbivorous
HABITAT
Grasslands, open plains, scrublands
🔬 Classification
PHYLUM
Chordata
CLASS
Mammalia
ORDER
Artiodactyla
FAMILY
Antilopidae
GENUS
Antilope
📋 Description
SIZE
1.2-1.5 meters long, 74-84 cm at shoulder, 20-57 kg; males heavier
COLORATION
Males dark brown to black with white underparts, spiral horns; females light brown, hornless
ADAPTATIONS
Speed for predator evasion, keen senses
🌿 Ecology
HABITAT
Grasslands, open plains, scrublands
DIET
Herbivorous
GEOGRAPHIC RANGE
Western, central, and southern India; Rajasthan to Tamil Nadu
REPRODUCTION
Females gestate 5-6 months, birthing one fawn; breeds year-round
DIET DETAILS
Grasses, herbs, occasional crops
⚠️ Threats & Conservation
PRIMARY THREATS
Habitat loss to agriculture, poaching, feral dogs
💡 Interesting Facts
1
Lightning Speed: Blackbucks sprint at 80 km/h across grasslands outrunning predators like wolves with 50-meter leaps. Their 20000 population thrives in protected sanctuaries after historical overhunting.
2
Royal Legacy: Once hunted by Mughal emperors their elegant 80 cm horns grace Rajasthan's folklore. Conservation bans since 1972 ensure herds of 100 graze freely in India's plains.
🔭 Sighting Guide
📍 BEST PLACES TO SIGHT
Velavadar Blackbuck National Park in Gujarat has prime grassland habitat for blackbuck sightings
Tal Chhapar Sanctuary in Rajasthan offers open plains with blackbuck herds
Point Calimere Sanctuary in Tamil Nadu features coastal grasslands for blackbuck sightings
🗓️ BEST TIME TO SIGHT
November-March. Dry season makes blackbucks more visible in open grasslands.
🎯 SIGHTING TIPS
Visit grasslands at dawn to observe male blackbucks displaying during mating season.
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