Biology and Ecological Adaptations of Blackbuck (Antilope Cervicapra): A Review

Abstract

Blackbuck is the existing members of genus Antilope which is most elegant and graceful among all Antelopes of Asia with distinct sexual dimorphism. Blackbuck show endemism in Pakistan, Nepal and India occupying mainly the semi-arid grassland areas. The name of species attributes towards the dark brownish to blackish coat color of male species. While female and the young ones are tawny or yellow. Chin undersides of legs and chest are white in both male and female individuals. Males have whorled horns with 79cm length with absence in females. The average body length of this animal is 100-150cm with the tail length of 10-17cm. The average body weight for male is 20-57kg and for female 19-33kg. Thin grassy forests, open and semi-desert areas are good habitat for it. Being diurnal and herbivorous, it acts as both grazers and browsers. It is the fastest animal with an average speed of 80km/h. It remains reproductively functional whole year. Reproductive disorders including dystocia and different infectious diseases due to ectoparasites, endoparasites, bacteria and viruses affect these species. Habitat loss, stress, illegal killing and genetic troubles cause the species to be ‘Extinct in the Wildlife’ in Pakistan so conservation strategies are underway for species protection. It is indispensable for zoologists and conservational biologists to observe the species for its conservation and confronting threats. Review article highlighted necessary information about species, which will clear the way for further research on species.

Population Status, Distribution, Threats and Conservation of Blackbuck Antilope cervicapra in South Asia: An Updated Literature Review

“…Listeria monocytogenesis the main bacteria that bear on the species (krüger 1963;Webb and rebar 1987). Protozoas like Trypanosoma cruzi has also impacted over the population of Blackbuck species (Schmidt et al 1981;Tahir et al 2021 Fracture is a leading cause of death in free-ranging ruminants when it comes to non-infectious diseases. Tibial fracture is the most common long bone fracture in small ruminants.…”

“…Treatment of traumatic injuries in non-domestic animals is also difficult because to difficulties in restraint and wound dressing. Antibiotic sensitivity test showed that ciprofloxacin had the highest sensitivity, followed by amoxicillin + Salabactam, amoxycillin, amoxicillin and cefotaxime (kumari et al 2017;Singh et al 2019;Tahir et al 2021).…”

“…various animals, particularly ungulates, have been observed to engage in interspecific aggressive interactions (Hanzlikova et al 2014;rita and khanal 2019). Also in wild habitats, excessive densities of competition such as feral cattle have an impact on the Blackbuck's health and survival (khanal 2006; khanal and Chalise 2011b; Baskaran et al 2016;Prashanth et al 2016;rita and khanal 2019;Tahir et al 2021).…”

“…Blackbuck are grazers by nature, but they browse when grasses are few, forcing them to rely more on leaf litter, flowers, and fruits. They are mostly sedentary, however during the summer they may travel greater distances in search of water and food (Tahir et al 2021). Blackbuck's spatial detectability and density distribution rise significantly with grassland size, habitat openness, and grass biomass, but drop significantly with Prosopis cover, shrub cover, proportion of woodland, and distance to water, demonstrating their negative effect on the blackbuck.…”

“…General range of Blackbuck has shrunk as a result of habitat loss, but this has been partially offset by the conversion of dense scrub and woodland to agriculture, which has resulted in the creation of more appropriate, open habitats. In spite of adaptability to many geographic areas, Blackbucks are increasingly under threat by growth of human population, domestic cattle expansion and economic development(Tahir et al 2021).Gujarat and Maharashtra then (rahmani 2001). At nepal, 200 Blackbucks were observed during 2012(Bashistha et al 2012).…”