Black Buck
- It is also known as the Indian antelope and is endemic to India & Nepal.
- Habitat: open grasslands, scrublands and savannas.
- Features:
- Males are characterised by their striking black and white coloration, with a dark brown to black coat on their upper body and white underparts.
- Females are generally lighter in colour, with a tan or fawn coat.
- Male blackbucks have long, corkscrew-shaped horns but Females generally do not have horns.
- Blackbucks are social animals and live in herds.
- Also they are herbivorous and primarily graze on grasses, herbs and leaves.
- Protection status:
- IUCN Red List: Least concerned.
- Wildlife Protection Act of 1972: Schedule I
- CITES: Appendix III
- In India it is found in Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Haryana, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha, Punjab, Rajasthan and Tamil Nadu.
- The Bishnoi community and blackbucks share a deep cultural and environmental relationship.