Nilgai
ExploreMammals
Nilgai
Boselaphus tragocamelus
The Nilgai is a large antelope found in India and Nepal. It has a bluish-gray coat and long, pointed ears. Nilgais are skilled jumpers and can run very fast when needed.
Habitat: Grasslands
Appearance
The Nilgai is the largest Asian antelope; males have a striking blue-grey coat, while females and young are tan to brownish. Males have short, conical horns and a shaggy mane on their neck, which differentiates them from females and other antelopes.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassMammaliaOrderArtiodactylaFamilyBovidaeGenusBoselaphus
Category
MammalsRarity
Common
Danger
2/5 · Low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Baby Nilgai stand and walk within minutes of their birth. Wow!
Males often kneel on their front legs during fierce fights over territory!
Nilgai can gallop up to 30 miles per hour, making them surprisingly fast!
Their name “Nilgai” means “blue cow” in Hindi, describing the male's striking color!
Special abilities
Ability
Camouflage Master
Nilgai has a dull coat that helps them blend perfectly into dry grasslands, making them hard to spot by predators.
Ability
Alert Senses
Nilgai can detect danger from far away because of their excellent eyesight and keen sense of smell, allowing them to escape quickly.
Ability
Powerful Jumper
Nilgai can leap over fences and obstacles because of their strong legs, allowing them to move through varied terrains with ease.
Ability
Resourceful Forager
Nilgai can survive in harsh conditions because of their ability to eat a wide variety of tough plants, helping them find food.
Measurements & details
- Length
- 180-260 cm
- Weight
- 120-300 kg
- Lifespan
- 10-12 years
- Top Speed
- 48 km/h
- Litter Size
- 1-2
- Gestation
- 243-247 days
Diet & Feeding
These big antelopes munch on grasses, leaves, and fruits, keeping the plants trimmed!
Primary Foods
- grasses
- leaves
- fruits
- flowers
- seeds
Foraging Method
- Grazing
Ecological connections
eaten by
Tiger
Panthera tigris
Adult Nilgai are a major prey item for tigers in their habitat.
eaten by
Leopard
Panthera pardus
Young and injured Nilgai can be preyed upon by agile leopards.
eaten by
Dhole
Cuon alpinus
Packs of dholes can effectively hunt and take down Nilgai.
Traits
Furry
Furry describes animals possessing a dense covering of soft hair or fur.
Social
Social animals live in organized groups, cooperating for survival benefits such as foraging, defense, and raising offspring.
Horned
Characterized by having one or more hard, permanent, pointed projections on the head.
Grassland
Grassland habitats are terrestrial biomes dominated by grasses and herbaceous plants, supporting a variety of grazing animals.
Herbivorous
This trait characterizes organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of plant material.
Ancient Lineage
This trait signifies organisms belonging to a very old evolutionary group with ancestors dating back millions of years.
Diurnal
Diurnal animals are primarily active during daylight hours, typically resting or sleeping at night.
Speedster
This trait identifies organisms that exhibit exceptional swiftness in movement for hunting, escape, or travel.
Also known as
Blue BullIndian Antelope
Collections
Safety
Danger
2/5 · Low
Admire Nilgais from a safe distance and avoid approaching them in the wild.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is Nilgai?
180-260 cm
How much does Nilgai weigh?
120-300 kg
How long does Nilgai live?
10-12 years
How fast can Nilgai move?
48 km/h
What does Nilgai eat?
These big antelopes munch on grasses, leaves, and fruits, keeping the plants trimmed!
Where is Nilgai usually found?
Grasslands
How does Nilgai hunt?
Grazing
How many babies does Nilgai usually have?
1-2
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