The Blackbuck (Antilope cervicapra) is also known as the Indian Antelope.

The Blackbuck is a medium-sized antelope, similar to the gazelle. It has two-tone fur, with its upperparts dark-brown to black, and its underparts are white. It has white fur on its chin and around its eyes. It has black stripes on its face. Male Blackbucks have long V-shaped horns (females may also develop horns).

It grows to about 84 centimetres (33 inches) tall. Its horns are about 35-75 centimetres (14-30 inches) long.

The Blackbuck is found in the warm climates of India, Nepal, and Pakistan. It prefers grasslands, scrublands, and flat plains.

It is herbivorous, eating grasses. Therefore, it is a grazer. Its predators include wolves, cheetahs, and jackals.

The Blackbuck is diurnal, active during the day. It lives in small groups.

Females are pregnant for six months, before giving birth to a single calf. Calves are precocial, which means that they can stand on their own soon after birth.

Its lifespan is typically 10-15 years.

 

 

Photographer: Martina Nicolls

Martina Nicolls: SIMILAR BUT DIFFERENT IN THE ANIMAL KINGDOM