Blackbuck

Antelope Cervicapra

The blackbuck antelope, originally a native of India, is one of the handsomest species of game in the Preserve...and the among the fastest. As the name implies, the coat of the males darken as they mature. Only grown males have horns, which are ringed and spiral in a 'V' above the head.

At feed stations, blackbucks are timid and will stand back while other animals feed. They can compete with the native white-tailed deer, however, when natural food is sparse, because whitetails cannot match the blackbuck's versatility in the use of different food plants.

Blackbuck social units include female groups, mixed groups of both sexs, bachelor groups, and territorial males. Since the latter monopolize prime grazing territory, expect to see female groups in those areas.

During the cooler seasons, blackbuck are diurnal, and active intermittently throughout the hours of daylight. In warmer temperatures, however, they are more often seen grazing in the open in the early morning and late afternoon. When a herd is threatened, the alert females are usually first to sound the alarm, with one individual leaping into the air. This motion is followed by the entire herd, but after a few large bounds the herd reduces its pace to a normal gallop.

One of the fastest land mammals, blackbuck have been clocked going in excess of 48 mph...a great challenge for the hunter aiming from a long distance!