The blackbuck, also known as the Indian antelope, is a species of antelope that typically has a lifespan of 10 to 15 years.


It is a typical grassland antelope and is active in open plains and savannas. It is a herd animal but does not mix with other animals. The Indian oryx is a sensitive and intelligent animal and is good at running and jumping. It feeds mainly on herbaceous plants and leaves.


The upper body of the Indian oryx is dark brown or black, while the lower body is white. The males are greenish-black, while the females are much lighter and yellowish-brown, resembling a high-horned antelope. They do not have horns and are smaller in size, measuring between 45-65 cm in length. Females have blackish-brown bodies, with white eyes, abdomen, lower legs, and the lower part of the neck and throat.


The Indian oryx is native to India, Pakistan, and other areas of south-central Asia. It is now extinct in Bangladesh, but due to artificial exports to the United States and Argentina, the Indian antelope can be found in the plains of North America, the Amazon of South America, and even some islands in the Caribbean.


The Indian antelope lives in semi-desert, plains, or open forest areas. They have sharp vision and are good at running and jumping, able to escape at speeds of up to 80 km/h when in danger. Grass and leaves are the mainstays of the Indian antelope's diet. They are usually active during the day and rest at night, curbing their daytime activities during the hot summer months. They avoid forested areas, but need water daily and may travel long distances in summer to search for water and forage.


According to observation reports, Indian antelopes generally have three types of groups during the rainy season: a number of females and young, a number of males with their own territories and mates, and a number of single males.


During the dry season, they gather together without distinction. Males with their own territory mark their range with secretions and excretions, not allowing other males to enter, but allowing females to come in to feed and mate with this female. During the breeding season, males fight fiercely with each other, often resulting in casualties.


If the female is frightened or disturbed by external disturbances after giving birth, she may abandon her cubs, even if they chirp a lot. Young Indian oryx born to mothers are light brown or yellowish-brown in color, and males do not turn black until they are three years old.


Soon after birth, the youngsters learn to stand with the help of their mothers and are able to stand up successfully within an hour. After two months of nursing, the young are ready to eat plants and are full of energy, often jumping around to play.


In the 20th century, due to overhunting, deforestation, and habitat degradation, the Indian oryx population declined dramatically. It is estimated that only about 8,000 Indian oryx remained in 1964. In 1972, the Wildlife Protection Act added a prohibition on hunting the Indian oryx, and they have since returned to their former population numbers under good human protection.