# Blackbuck (*Antilope cervicapra*) The Blackbuck is a graceful antelope with striking black and white markings. It can run very fast and jump high, making it a wonderful sight in the grasslands. - **Category:** [Mammals](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/mammal) - **Rarity:** Rare - **Danger:** 2/5 · Low - **Habitat:** Grasslands - **Also known as:** Blackbuck Antelope ![Blackbuck](https://res.cloudinary.com/drieglelr/image/upload/v1771426702/objects/5914.jpg) ## Appearance The Blackbuck is a strikingly beautiful antelope with marked sexual dimorphism. Males are dark brown to black on their upper body with a crisp white belly and eye rings, sporting magnificent spiraling horns up to 70 cm long. Females are hornless and a lighter fawn-brown with similar white markings. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Animalia - **Phylum:** Chordata - **Class:** Mammalia - **Order:** Artiodactyla - **Family:** Bovidae - **Genus:** Antilope ## Interesting facts - Blackbucks can go for long periods without drinking, getting most of their water from the plants they eat! - Male blackbucks can change their coat color from light brown to deep black as they get older! - They use scent glands near their eyes to mark their territories, leaving messages for other antelopes! - Young blackbuck calves stay hidden in tall grasses for weeks after birth to stay safe from predators! ## Special abilities - **Lightning Leaper:** Blackbucks can pronk, leaping high into the air with all four legs tucked, because of strong leg muscles that help them evade predators. - **Speedy Escape:** Blackbucks can run incredibly fast, reaching speeds up to 80 km/h, because of their slender, muscular legs that help them outrun threats. - **Keen Sight:** Blackbucks have excellent eyesight and a wide field of vision that helps them spot predators from far away in open grasslands. ## Measurements & details - **Length:** 100-150 cm - **Weight:** 20-57 kg - **Lifespan:** 10-18 years - **Speed:** 80 km/h - **Litter Size:** 1-2 - **Gestation:** 150-180 days ## Diet & Feeding Blackbucks are herbivores that mainly eat grasses, but they also enjoy leaves and some fruits. - **Primary Foods:** Grasses, Herbs, Leaves, Pods, Flowers - **Foraging Method:** Grazing ## Ecological connections - **Eaten by:** [Dhole](https://www.snappit.app/explore/dhole) (*Cuon alpinus*) — Wild dogs that hunt in packs. ## Traits - [Striped](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/striped): Marked with parallel bands or lines of color. - [Social](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/social): Social animals live in organized groups, cooperating for survival benefits such as foraging, defense, and raising offspring. - [Antlered](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/antlered): Antlered describes animals possessing antlers, which are bony, branching growths found predominantly on male deer and related species. - [Horned](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/horned): Characterized by having one or more hard, permanent, pointed projections on the head. - [Grassland](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/grassland): Grassland habitats are terrestrial biomes dominated by grasses and herbaceous plants, supporting a variety of grazing animals. - [Herbivorous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/herbivorous): This trait characterizes organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of plant material. - [Diurnal](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/diurnal): Diurnal animals are primarily active during daylight hours, typically resting or sleeping at night. - [Speedster](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/speedster): This trait identifies organisms that exhibit exceptional swiftness in movement for hunting, escape, or travel. ## Collections - [Mammals](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/mammals) ## Safety **Danger:** 2/5 · Low Admire Blackbucks from a safe distance and avoid approaching them to ensure their safety and yours. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How to identify Blackbuck? Compare ears, muzzle, tail, feet and coat markings. Size is hard to judge without something nearby for scale, and young mammals may not have adult coloring yet. Mammal Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details. ### How long is Blackbuck? 100-150 cm ### How much does Blackbuck weigh? 20-57 kg ### How long does Blackbuck live? 10-18 years ### How fast can Blackbuck move? 80 km/h ### What does Blackbuck eat? Blackbucks are herbivores that mainly eat grasses, but they also enjoy leaves and some fruits. ### Where is Blackbuck usually found? Grasslands ### How does Blackbuck hunt? Grazing ## Where to spot - [Natur- und Tierpark Brüggen](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/natur-und-tierpark-bruggen) — Nordrhein-Westfalen, DE · Zoo ## More Mammals - [Eastern Fox Squirrel](https://www.snappit.app/explore/eastern-fox-squirrel) (*Sciurus niger*) - [Eastern Cottontail](https://www.snappit.app/explore/eastern-cottontail) (*Sylvilagus floridanus*) - [Eastern Chipmunk](https://www.snappit.app/explore/eastern-chipmunk) (*Tamias striatus*) - [California Ground Squirrel](https://www.snappit.app/explore/california-ground-squirrel) (*Otospermophilus beecheyi*) --- Source: [Blackbuck: Characteristics, Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/blackbuck)