Blackbuck facts for kids

Blackbuck male and females

The blackbuck (scientific name: Antilope cervicapra) is a type of antelope. These graceful animals live mainly in western India. You can also find them in parts of Pakistan and Nepal.

The blackbuck was once an important animal in the old Hyderabad State. Today, it is the provincial animal of Haryana.

What is a Blackbuck?

The blackbuck is a medium-sized antelope. It is known for its beautiful spiraling horns. Only the male blackbucks have these horns. They can grow quite long, sometimes over 20 inches!

Appearance of Blackbucks

Male blackbucks are usually dark brown or black on their backs and sides. They have white fur on their bellies, inner legs, and around their eyes. This creates a striking contrast. Young males and females are lighter in color, often yellowish-brown.

Where Blackbucks Live

Blackbucks prefer open grasslands and lightly wooded areas. They like places where they can graze easily. They are often found near water sources. These animals are very fast runners. They can reach speeds of up to 50 miles per hour! This helps them escape from predators.

Blackbuck Behavior

Blackbucks live in herds. These herds can be quite large. They often have one dominant male, several females, and their young. Sometimes, you might see herds of only males.

What Blackbucks Eat

Blackbucks are herbivores. This means they eat plants. Their main diet consists of grasses. They also eat leaves, fruits, and flowers from various plants. They spend a lot of time grazing to get enough food.

Blackbuck Conservation

Sadly, blackbucks are an endangered species in some areas. Their numbers have gone down because of hunting and habitat loss. Many efforts are being made to protect them. Sanctuaries and national parks help keep them safe.

Images for kids

• 

  Male of A. c. cervicapra, note the black extending lower down on the sides

• 

  Blackbucks in Ranibennur Blackbuck Sanctuary

• 

  Blackbucks in Rehekuri Blackbuck Sanctuary

• 

  Blackbuck in the Nilgiri hills

• 

  Royalty hunting blackbuck with Asiatic cheetah in South Gujarat, 1812

• 

  A blackbuck herd in Gujarat

• 

  Blackbuck prefer grass

• 

  Courtship display in blackbuck

• 

  Blackbuck carved on temple pillar at Lepakshi (16th century)

• 

  Akbar hunting blackbuck (Akbarnama, c.1590–5)

• 

  Pair of blackbucks trained to pull a small carriage

• 

  Samthar coat of arms

See also

In Spanish: Antílope indio para niños