Blackbuck Antelope (Antilope cervicapra)
With
ringed horns spiraling upward from its head in a V-shape, the blackbuck antelope
is truly a majestic animal, making it a popular target at hunting ranches.
As its name implies, the male blackbuck antelope, a native of India and Pakistan,
is black on its back with a white underside, tail, and snout, and bright white
rings around its eyes. Females and young males are tan in color with the same
distinctive white markings. One of the fastest animals in the world, the blackbuck
is relatively small in stature. Both males and females stand only a little
over two feet tall from the shoulder. The adult male weighs an average of
83 lbs., while the female is slightly smaller at an average of 58 lbs. Male
blackbuck grow permanent horns that range anywhere from 13 to 30 inches. Its
lifespan ranges from 12 to 16 years. Blackbuck antelope are hardy animals
that typically feed all day long. They graze on short- to medium-length grasses
and occasionally on brush. Their diet is also supplemented by pods, flowers,
and fruit.
In order to prevent extinction, blackbuck antelope were transferred from India to Texas in 1932. Breeding in Texas was successful, and some blackbuck antelope have been reintroduced to their native habitat. However, the number of blackbuck on Texas ranches far exceeds the number remaining in India and Pakistan. In fact, there are more blackbuck on the Y.O. Ranch alone than in all of India
.