VMD 512: Zoo/Wild Animal Breeding, Management, Nutrition and Health Care (1+1)

BLACK BUCK AND NILGAI

Black buck (Antilope cervicapra)

• Its striking color another characteristic feature. Dark brown colored body is seen in adult ones at South India. When young, it is yellowish one.
• In yearling bucks, the horns are without a spiral appearance.
• Spiral horns are characteristic of males in addition to the chasing of females with raised head.
• Lek ( stand ing separately in isolated spot for selection by mating females) is a breeding phenomenon seen peculiarly among males.

Nilgai (Boselaphus tragocamelus)

• Also called as Blue bulls.
• Adult bull has a coarse iron-grey coat. A white ring below each fetlock and two white spots are present on each cheek. Bulls have a stout cone-like horns.
• White marks are on extremities
• Horse-like build is noticed.
• Alarm cry is made in excitement periods.
• Avoid the dense forests.
• Resorts to the same spot to deposit the excreta