Reproduction

Females can produce young year round but births tend to peak twice a year. She may produce up to two fawns each year.

After a 5-6 month gestation the female will give birth to a single fawn.

For the first two weeks of their life the fawn is hidden away in tall grass. After this they are large enough to move around with the herd. This fawn is weaned off of milk at 2 months old.

Sexual maturity is achieved by 15 months old.

Behavior

Males defend a territory where they will live with a harem of females and their young. Males defend this harem by fighting other males using their horns. These groups include between 10 and 15 individuals.

A male maintains his territory by scent marking bushes and trees.

Much of a blackbuck's day is spent grazing including during warm temperatures. They will only seek shade during the hottest 2-3 hours in the day.

These animals can run at 80km/h (50mph) to try and escape predators. While running they may perform a leap in to the air.

It is thought that these athletic displays while running signal their health to predators thus discouraging the predators attempt to catch them.

Predators and Threats

Natural predators of the blackbuck include tigers, jackals, leopards, cheetah, wolves and wild dogs.

Habitat destruction mainly for conversion to agricultural use and hunting are the main threats to this species. In some areas this habitat conversion has the opposite effect and will instead create suitable habitat through clearing of dense scrub and woodland.

In India the blackbuck enjoys full protection under law.

Current population estimates indicate 10,000 blackbuck can be found in the wild. This is a significant decrease on the estimated 4 million which existed 100 years ago.

Quick facts

The blackbuck is also known as the Indian antelope.