Indian Black Buck
The
Black Buck,(Antelope cervicapra) (Krishna Saar) is an endangered and fully protected
species in Nepal. The adult male Black Buck has striking Black and white pelage
(fur) and long spiral horns. Horns seldom exceed 50 cm and may reach 65 cm in
Nepal. Young males, called bucks are light brown in color and after 3 years
their pelage turns quite black. Females called does are beige in color and hornless.
A well-grown buck stands about 32 inch (80 cm) at the shoulder and on the average
weigh 40 kg. Black bucks are territorial, although they take occasional trips
to surrounding terrain. The territoriality exhibited by the species is the result
of the dominance shown by the adult males. Females do not make any territory
of their own. Their habitat is open grass land with thorny and dry deciduous
forest. They prefer ectonal region between the forest and grass land. They prefer
to be in group ranging 15 - 20 individuals.
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.
Ecological Importance
System within a system.
Recreational Importance
Tourism and Eco-tourism.
Habitat:
They like to live in open grassland and dry thorn and scrubland. They like to
be in herds about 20 to 30 individuals. A herd generally inhabits around 200
to 300 acres of land. A dominant male marks the territory by shifting and pawing
the ground and urinating and defecating at established piles.
Food Habit:
Black buck are herbivore animals. They graze the soft grass and eat leaves,
herbs and shrubs. The like to graze to vast area from the down to dust and take
rest on shadow of the tree.
Reproduction:
Mating
season is August to October and March to April. Male buck performs proud heads-up
displays (nose up and horns parallel to the back) to attract the attention of
female does. Male engages in rutting behavior throughout the whole year. The
rut consists of fighting and sparring between males with their horns. The spiral
shape of horns automatically locks the horns together so rarely do the animals
get hurt. The bucks do this as a form of play as well as to assert dominance
and breeding privileges.
Features:
The keen eye sight and fast speed of Black Buck are its main protection against
predators. When alarmed, the herd moves off in a series of high leaps and bounds,
then breaks off into a quick gallop. It is one of the fastest animals in the
world. The record shows that they can run 80 kilometer per hour if necessary.
Problems:
Black Buck is only found in situ condition in Gularia Municipality of Bardiya
District in Nepal.
