Hoofed animals
Nilgai
Boselaphus tragocamelus
IUCN Red ListLeast Concern
Nilgai
- Description
- The nilgai, also called the blue bull, is the largest antelope in Asia, standing about 120-150 cm at the shoulder with a long neck, high front legs and a robust build. Bulls are slate-grey to blue-grey and carry short, cone-shaped horns of about 15-24 cm, while the smaller, brownish cows are hornless. Males weigh roughly 200-290 kg and females around 120-210 kg.
- Habitat
- Nilgai are native to the Indian subcontinent, ranging across India, Nepal and Pakistan. They favour dry savanna, scrubland and the edges of woodland with open grassy areas, but avoid dense forest.
- Diet
- A mixed feeder, the nilgai grazes on grasses and also browses leaves, shoots, fruits and legumes.
- Reproduction
- After a gestation of about 8-9 months (roughly 243-247 days), the female gives birth to one or two calves, and twins are especially common.
- Lifespan
- Nilgai typically live 12-15 years in the wild and can reach up to about 20 years in human care.
- Did you know?
- The nilgai is a fast and tireless runner, able to sprint at speeds of up to around 50 km/h.
Homeland & habitat
Where the nilgai lives
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Indian SubcontinentThe largest Asian antelope, native to grasslands and open woodlands of the Indian subcontinent, also introduced to southern Texas.
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Native rangeIntroduced / also today
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10 facts about the nilgai
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Conservation status
Species vulnerability index
Least Concern
Near Threatened
Vulnerable
Endangered
Critically Endangered
LC – málo dotčená (Least Concern) podle IUCN,
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