Antilopes
Antilopes
called as Kala Hiran It is the sole representative of the genus
Antilope. In Hindu religion Black buck is a vehicle of Chandrama (soma
or chandra) (moon). This is a symbol of purity prosperity and peace.It
is mainly found in India but with other small populations in Pakistan
and Nepal. The adult male stands about 80 cm (about 32 in) at the
shoulder and weighs 32 to 43 kg (71 to 95 lb). Males are dark brown and
has ringed horns that have a moderate spiral twist of three to four
turns. The light-brown female is usually hornless. The body's upper
parts are black, White highlights the eyes, ears, chin, under parts, and
rump. The fawns are brown but turn tan after about a month. This is
exclusively an Indian animal is perhaps the most graceful and beautiful
of its kind. except the North eastern region they are found throughout
India but are majorly seen in Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana, Gujarat and
central India. It does not live in dense forest Black bucks frequent the
open plains in herds, 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.
Physical
Traits The Indian antelope is one of the most elegant of all
antelopes; it's due to its striking colour and wonderful spiral horns.
The upper body part of a male black buck is covered with black fur while
the chest, belly and the inner sides have white fur. A beautiful
contrast indeed! White rings around their eyes add much to the beauty of
their features. The average weight of a balck buck is 40 kg. Horns, that
may have three to four turns, measure between 50 and 65 cm. Horned
females are rarely spotted. Though there is no particular time for
breeding, the period between February and March is quite interesting, as
this is the time when the bucks fight against each other to acquire the
does.
Habitat & DietIt used to be found all
over India except the northeast. Now it is seen 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
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
thirty-three centimeters above the head. Record trophies exceed fifty
centimeters. The black buck eats mainly grasses. Pods, fruits, and
flowers supplement this diet. Few black bucks live longer than twelve
years, and their maximum life span is about sixteen years.
Spotting
the Black Buck The black buck is a major draw for wildlife
visitors to India. There are a number of sanctuaries and national parks
where the graceful Indian antelope can be easily spotted.
- Blackbuck National Park, Velavadar (Gujarat)
- Bandhavgarh National Park (Madhya Pradesh)
- Kanha National Park (Madhya Pradesh)
- Ranthambhore National Park (Rajasthan)
- Jim Corbett National Park (Uttaranchal)
- Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary (Rajasthan)
- Gir National Park (Gujarat)
- Guindy National Park (Tamil Nadu)
