ANIMAL HIGHLIGHT

The Blackbuck Antelope is a medium-sized antelope native to India and Pakistan. It inhabits grassy plains and lightly forested areas with perennial water sources. It stands about 32 in high at the shoulder. Males weigh an average of about 85-90 lbs lb. Females are lighter, weighing 60 lb on average. Males have long corkscrew horns, and females occasionally develop horns, as well.  

The white fur on the chin and around the eyes is in sharp contrast with the black stripes on the face. Both sexes' coats feature a two-tone colouration; in males, the majority of the body is dark brown to black, with white circles around the eyes, white ears and tail, and the belly, lower jaw, and inner legs also white. Females and juveniles are yellowish-fawn to tan and display the same white areas, only with more of a beige tone than the males. Females also feature a more pronounced horizontal white side-stripe. 

Blackbuck are active during the day. The blackbuck is an herbivore and grazes on low grasses, occasionally browsing as well. Mating takes place throughout the year. Gestation is typically six months long, after which a single calf is born. The lifespan is typically 10 years.

The antelope is native to and occurs mainly in India and Pakistan and Bangladesh. It was formerly widespread; today small and scattered herds are largely confined to protected areas.The blackbuck has been introduced in Argentina, Australia and the United States, primarily on hunting ranches. In Argentina, the population is surviving well.