Found only in the Indian subcontinent, mainly in three countries: India (95% of population is present); Nepal (small population survives in the arid part or Terai), Pakistan (extinct as a free-ranging animal but an introduced population is found in Lal Suhanra National Park in Bahawalpur)
Male Blackbuck are strikingly handsome animals with long, spiralling horns marked with rings and distinctly marked faces with white patches around their eyes. Their bodies have contrasting countershading, with white underparts against their dark back and legs. Females and juveniles are much less conspicuous, fawn in colour with white underparts which resemble the widespread Impala from Africa.
Due to co-evolution with cheetah as their main predator, Blackbuck are extremely fast and rely on speed to escape from their main predators. (Considered to be the fastest animal next to Cheetah).
The species inhabits open grassland, dry thorn scrub, scrubland and lightly wooded country as well as agricultural margins, where it is often seen feeding in fields. Blackbucks require water daily, which restricts distribution to areas where surface water is available for the greater part of the year. Blackbuck are primarily grazers, but browse when lack of grasses forces a greater dependency on leaf litter, flowers and fruits. They are mainly sedentary, but in summer may move longer distances in search of water and forage.
Found in arid and semi-arid short grass plains once abundant in undivided Punjab, Haryana, parts of UP, Rajasthan, MP, Gujarat and down south up to Tamil Nadu. Lives in open countryside, avoiding forest and hilly areas.
Included in Appendix III of CITES & Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972. IUCN Status: Least Concern.
Inhabits several protected areas of India, such as:
Gujarat: Velavadar Wildlife Sanctuary, Gir Forest National Park.
Bihar: Kaimur Wildlife Sanctuary.
Maharashtra: Great Indian Bustard Sanctuary.
Madhya Pradesh: Kanha National Park.
Rajasthan: Tal Chhapar Sanctuary, National Chambal Sanctuary, Ranthambhore National Park.
Karnataka: Ranibennur Blackbuck Sanctuary.
Tamil Nadu: Point Calimere Wildlife and Bird Sanctuary, Vallanadu Wildlife Sanctuary, Guindy National Park.
