Blackbuck

Antilope cervicapra

Irish Name: Dúbhoic
IUCN Status: Least Concern

Blackbucks are one of the few antelope species where males and females are coloured differently. Males are dark brown in colour on their backs, sides and on the outsides of their legs. Females are a much lighter tan colour in these areas. Both males and females have white underparts and white circular patches around their eyes.

Blackbuck

Antilope cervicapra

Irish Name: Dúbhoic
IUCN Status: Least Concern

Blackbucks are one of the few antelope species where males and females are coloured differently. Males are dark brown in colour on their backs, sides and on the outsides of their legs. Females are a much lighter tan colour in these areas. Both males and females have white underparts and white circular patches around their eyes.

General Information

Where do they live? (Natural habitat)

Blackbucks live in open grasslands, scrublands or lightly-wooded areas in India and Nepal.

How long do they live?

Blackbucks live 10-15 years in the wild. Some individuals have lived up to 24 years in zoos.

What do they eat?

Blackbucks are herbivores (plant-eaters) and mainly graze on short grass. Sometimes, they will eat the leaves and fruits of trees. They may also eat crops grown by farmers, putting them in danger of persecution (being harmed) by humans.

Group name

Herd

Zoo location

The Kaziranga Forest Trail. In Dublin Zoo, blackbucks share a habitat with the Asian elephants. These two species are found together in the same habitat in the wild.

Closest related species / sister species

Blackbucks are the only species in the genus Antilope. Their closest relatives are species in the genus Gazella, including the Arabian gazelle and the mountain gazelle.

Animal class

Mammalia

Animal order

Cetartiodactyla

Fun facts

Good eyesight

Blackbucks do not have a strong sense of smell or hearing, but they have good eyesight. This helps them detect dangers such as predators from a distance and to run away before being attacked. When a blackbuck is in danger, it jumps in the air and runs away, followed by the rest of the herd. Blackbucks can reach a speed of up to 80km/h to escape.

Introduction into the wild

Blackbucks have been introduced to both the US and Argentina where they are hunted recreationally. Blackbuck hunting is banned in India.

Hide

Family Life

Blackbucks are social animals that live in herds ranging from five to fifty individuals. These herds generally consist of an adult male and numerous adult females with their young. This setup is known as a harem. Herd size can depend on the season, food availability and time.

Baby name

Calf

Gestation (pregnancy) period

Approximately six months

Number of young at birth

Generally one

Age at maturity

8-18 months

Adult male name

Buck

Adult female name

Doe

Adult size

75-85cm in height at the shoulder, 30-45kg in weight

Hide

Conservation

Least Concern

The blackbuck is classified as Least Concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

Current population estimate

Approximately 35,000 individuals

Threats

The main threats to blackbucks are habitat destruction due to expanding agriculture, persecution (being harmed) by farmers when raiding crops and hunting for meat. However, blackbucks are protected by law in India.

What is Dublin Zoo doing?

Dublin Zoo educates our visitors about the natural world with the aim of inspiring a love of nature and enabling them to act positively for conservation.

Hide

FAQs

  • Where do blackbucks live?

    Blackbucks live in open grasslands, scrublands or lightly-wooded areas in India and Nepal. Blackbucks have also been introduced into the wild in Argentina and the US.

  • What do blackbucks eat?

    Blackbucks are herbivores (plant-eaters) that mainly graze on short grass. Sometimes, they will eat the leaves and fruits of trees. They may also eat crops grown by farmers, putting them in danger of persecution (being harmed) by humans.

  • Where can you see the blackbucks in Dublin Zoo?

    Blackbucks share a habitat with the Asian elephants in Dublin Zoo. You can find them along the Kaziranga Forest Trail. These two species are found together in the same habitat in the wild.

  • What species are predators of the blackbuck?

    Pariah dogs, wolves and jackals are the main predator species of the blackbuck.

  • Are blackbucks endangered?

    No, blackbucks are not currently endangered. They are classified as Least Concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

Hide

Animal Encyclopedia

Find out more about the species living at Dublin Zoo
Search the animals

Plant Life

Discover the diverse ecosystem at Dublin Zoo
Find out more

Dublin Zoo Map

Explore Dublin Zoo with our map

School Visits

Bring your class to Dublin Zoo