Know
the Black Buck
Kala Hiran also called Indian Black Buck Antelope (Antelope cervicapra L.)
is an exclusively Indian animal, which is perhaps the most graceful and
beautiful of its kind. The Black Buck has four sub species, they are -
Antelope cervicapra cervicapra, Antelope cervicapra rajputanae, Antelope
cervicapra centralis, Antelope cervicapra rupicapra.
Physical Characteristics
The fastest of the Indian antelopes, they move off in a series of amazing
leaps and bounds when threatened and then break into a lightening run. Black
Buck, common name for an antelope, mainly of India but with other small
populations in Pakistan and Nepal. The black buck has ringed horns that have
a moderate spiral twist of three to four turns and are up to 70 cm (28 in)
long.
The adult male stands about 80 cm (about 32 in) at the shoulder and weighs
32 to 43 kg (71 to 95 lb). The body's upper parts are black; the underparts
and a ring around the eyes are white. The female, light brown in colour is
usually hornless. Males are dark brown. 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.
When the mating season reaches the peak,
one male establishes dominance. After six months the mated females each bear
one fawn, which joins the herd with its mother about two weeks later and
remains with her for more than a year.
Habitat & Diet of the Black Buck
Black Buck are found all over India except the northeast. You can find them
in Panjab, Rajasthan, Haryana, Gujarat and central India. 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 black buck mainly feed in grasses. Pods, fruits, and flowers supplement
are among the diets of black bucks. Few black bucks live longer than 12
years, and their maximum life span is about 16 years.
Class : Mammalia
Zoological
Name : Antelope cervicapra L.
Range : India, Nepal, and Pakistan on open grassy plains.
Major Sites : Today black buck is found in almost all the wildlife
reserves of north and west India. Some of which are - Bandhavgarh National
Park, Velavadar Black Buck Sanctuary, etc.
Black Bucks & Conservation
As other animal it is also a part of Nature and we need to conserve it for
our future generation. The fastest of the Indian antelopes, black bucks have
been over-hunted and are in the danger of extinction. Zoos and wildlife
parks are breeding these most beautiful antelopes to increase the number of
this creature and keep balance in the eco-system.
Constant persecution by man has sadly reduced their number. Their large
herds, which once freely roamed in the plains of North India where they are
seen best, are no longer visible. During the 18th, 19th and the first half
of the 20th century, black buck was the most hunted wild beast all over
India. Till Independence, many princely states used to hunt this Indian
Antelope and gazelle with cheetahs.
Status of Black Bucks
Black buck is one of 26 species of mammals, which have been declared
endangered. Bishnois, a community in Haryana, Rajasthan and Punjab,
violently protect this species. It is due to their efforts and beliefs that
we have still so many of these endangered antelopes in the plains of Haryana
and Rajasthan today.
