About Indian Black Buck :
HabitaKala Hiran is also called
Indian Black Buck Antelope. It has four sub
species, they are:
» Antelope cervicapra cervicapra
» Antelope cervicapra rajputanae
» Antelope cervicapra centralis
» Antelope cervicapra rupicapra
It
used to be found all over India except the northeast. Now it is seen in
Panjab, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Uttaranchal and Haryana. It does not live in
dense forest but in open plains. It is one of the fastest animals on earth
and can out run any animal over long distances. Open plains, which allows it
to move fast, are therefore needed to protect it from predators.
It does not live in dense forest but in open plains. It is one of the
fastest animals on earth and can out run any animal over long distances.
Open plains, which allows it to move fast, are therefore needed to protect
it from predators. The males darken at maturity and the most dominant male
in the herd has a black coat. White highlights the eyes, ears, chin, under
parts, and rump. Even fawns have these markings. They are brown but turn tan
after about a month. Grown males have ringed horns spiraling in a V at least
33 cm above the head. Record trophies exceed 50 cm. The blackbuck eats
mainly grasses. Pods, fruits, and flowers supplement this diet. Their
average lifespan is about 12 years, and maximum is 16 years.
The social units of the black buck are female groups, mixed groups of both
sexes, bachelor groups, and territorial males. Since territorial males
monopolize prime grazing, female groups frequent their territories. Each
territorial male commands about 3 to 40 acres. Territorialism facilitates
breeding by giving the male a clear field for courtship. If a doe tolerates
following, the "mating march" changes into circling, with the male
in a "nose-up" display. The average interval between births is six
months, with gestation comprising approximately five months. The single fawn
can be born at any season. Initially, the fawn lies in the grass between
nursing sessions. Then it gradually joins the mother's group. Between six
months and one year old, increasing harassment from territorial males, plus
the zest for sparring, sends young bucks to bachelor groups. Males mature
sexually by eighteen months but take about 2 years to reach physical
maturity. Females can conceive as young as eight months, although most
first-time mothers conceive at around seventeen months. Females mature
physically by one year.
Black Buck Antelope have very keen eyesight.
