The Indian bluebuck, or nilgai,
Boselaphus tragocamelus is the largest of all Asiatic antelopes. In areas
where the Hindu religion predominates, the bluebuck's resemblance to a cow
has earned it a large degree of protection. It prefers open forests and
scrublands but will also feed on water plants. More than 60 percent of
Nilgai births bring twins. It is estimated that there are more than 15,000
in captivity. By contrast, there are probably no more than 10,000 left in
India.
Description:
The short coat is yellow-brown in females, and gradually turns blue-grey in
males as they mature. There is an erectile mane on the nape and back and a "hair
pennant" in the middle of the underside of the neck. There are white
markings in the form of cheek spots, edges of the lips, and a throat bib.
Along the underside is a thin white stripe, which "balloons" at
the rear. The slender legs support a stocky body, which slopes downwards
towards the rear. The head is long and slender. Males have 20-25 cm / 8-10
inch long horns which are straight and tilted slightly forwards.
