Antelope cervacapra
About
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 name black buck has also been applied to the sable
antelope of Africa. 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 light-brown
female is usually hornless. Males are dark brown. Black bucks frequent the
open plains in herds. When the rut (mating season) reaches a peak, one male
establishes dominance.
Kala Hiran also called Indian Black Buck Antelope (Antelope cervicapra L.).
It has four sub species, they are:
» Antelope cervicapra cervicapra
» Antelope cervicapra rajputanae
» Antelope cervicapra centralis
» Antelope cervicapra rupicapra
Original Habitats
It 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.
Importance
Biological importance - As other animal it is also a part of Nature and we
need to conserve it for future generation. Black buck is one of 26 species
of mammals, which have been declared endangered and protected by low in
Nepal .
Genetic importance - Cross breeding and development of high breed for
domestic use.
Economic importance - Each species has value and meaning. In present
context Biodiversity richness is greater than monetary value.
Local importance - Tourist, researcher, animal lover may come to see this
important animal and it will help the diffusion of local culture or
production to the external national or international visitor.
National importance - Tourism development and decentralization of tourist
flow.
Tourism and Eco-tourism - Cultural important in Hinduism and Buddhism:
Black buck is a vehicle of Chandrama (soma or chandra) (moon). This is a
symbol of purity prosperity and peace. Its skin use in the time of taking
secret thread (bratabanda) as well as at the time of worshipping. In
Buddhism, a pair of buck symbolizes Buddha when he turned to the Sarnath
India. The horns and skin are also regarded as sacred object in Hinduism.
Threat
for Black Buck Antelope
The main reason of population loss are:
• Poaching
• Predation
• Habitat destruction
• Overgrazing
• Diseases
• Inbreeding and
• Visitors
Constant persecution by man has sadly reduced their number. Their large
herds, which once freely roamed in the plains of North India where they
thrive best, are no longer visible. During the eighteenth, nineteenth and
the first half of the twentieth 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. Within Black Buck habitat
people are leaving and domestic animals are free to graze this area as well.
In one hand there is very limited land for Black Buck and there is high
pressure of domestic animal as well as the people.
Black Bucks in India
You can find Black Buck Antelope in India as it is one of the major origins
of the tiger species:
»
Bandhavgarh
National Park
» Kanha
National Park
»
Ranthambhore
National Park
» Corbett
National Park
»
Bharatpur
Bird Sanctuary
» Gir
National Park
