Blackbuck

Scientific name: Antilope cervicapra

How weight is recorded: Carcass weight

Field notes

Appearance

Males are dark brown to black on the back and sides with white underparts and face markings; females and juveniles are fawn to yellowish-brown. Males carry long, spiraled horns (50–80 cm); females are hornless or have small horns.

Size and weight

Males: 35–57 kg, body length 90–107 cm; females: 20–30 kg, body length 80–100 cm.

Habitat

Blackbuck inhabit open grasslands, semi-arid plains, and light scrubland with scattered acacia and thorn bush. They prefer flat to gently rolling terrain at elevations typically below 1,500 m.

Distribution

Found across the Indian subcontinent, with populations concentrated in Rajasthan, Gujarat, and parts of central India. They favor open grasslands and abandoned agricultural land within arid and semi-arid zones.

Diet

Blackbuck graze on short grasses and herbs; they also browse low shrubs and occasionally feed on crop stubble and cultivated plants.

Behaviour

Primarily diurnal and crepuscular, most active in early morning and late afternoon. They are gregarious, forming herds of 5–50 individuals with hierarchical social structure; males are territorial and solitary or in bachelor groups outside breeding.

Hunting tips

Look for their distinctive slots (prints) in soft ground and small, pellet-like droppings along trails. Approach from upwind across open ground using terrain folds and scrub for concealment; they have excellent vision and will bolt if alarmed. Stalk slowly during low-light hours when herd activity increases and visibility is reduced.

Carcass weight

This species is logged by carcass weight — the animal weighed dressed, the way hunting teams normally report it.

Where it is hunted

Listed as huntable in 2 countries in Huntify.

Names in other languages

These field notes are general species knowledge, not legal advice. Always check the current seasons, quotas and firearm rules where you hunt.