Blackbuck
Originally from India and Pakistan, Blackbucks are very shy and cautious animals. Smell and hearing are not very well developed, relying mostly on vision to detect possible dangers.
- Height 1,20m
- Weight 20 - 50Kg
- Longevity 17 years
- Diet Herbs, fruits, bark and aquatic plants
- Habitat Open forest with undergrowth
- Reproduction 1 cub
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Morphology
Blackbuck is one of the few antelopes where sexual dimorphism is observed, with the males being darker. This species has a white hue on the inside of the legs and a white circular spot around the eyes. The horns are visible only in males and measure between 50-61cm.
Behaviour
Blackbucks are social animals that live in herds of 5 to 50 elements, composed of a dominant male and several females and young. Blackbucks are very shy and cautious animals. When there is a threat of danger, the animal jumps in the air and is soon followed by the other animals in the herd. These animals reach great speeds and can gallop at a speed of 65 km/h for about 25 km.
Conservation
Blackbuch once inhabited the Indian subcontinent south of the Himalayas. Its occupation declined during the 20th century and is now extinct in Bangladesh. It is speculated that the population may have reached 4 million a few centuries ago, but only about 80.000 individuals were counted in 1947. In 1970 the population found in India was approximately 50.000. Later, in the year 2000, 35.000 adult individuals were estimated. Although it has disappeared from many areas due to hunting and habitat destruction - converted for agricultural use - this species is increasing in protected areas. The preservation of dense woods and forest allows the increase of the area available for this species to live.
