Nilgai
Scientific name: Boselaphus tragocamelus
- How weight is recorded: Carcass weight
Field notes
Appearance
Males are slate-blue to dark grey with a stocky build, prominent shoulder hump, and small horns (15–25 cm); females are tawny-brown, hornless, and noticeably smaller. Both sexes have a short mane on the neck and white patches on the face and legs.
Size and weight
Males: 110–150 kg, body length 150–210 cm; females: 60–90 kg, body length 130–180 cm.
Habitat
Nilgai occupy open grasslands, scrublands, and light deciduous forests with scattered thorn cover. They prefer areas near water sources and tolerate semi-arid terrain from sea level to approximately 1,500 m elevation.
Distribution
Native to the Indian subcontinent, with populations concentrated in central and northern India, particularly in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh. They favour open scrublands with water access over dense forest.
Diet
Nilgai graze on grasses and browse shrubs, forbs, and tree leaves; diet shifts toward browse during dry seasons when grass quality declines.
Behaviour
Primarily crepuscular and nocturnal, most active at dawn and dusk; they are solitary or in small groups of 2–4 animals, though bachelor herds and mixed herds occur. Males are territorial and cover large home ranges.
Hunting tips
Look for tracks (cloven hoof, ~6 cm wide) and pellet droppings in grassland margins. Approach upwind across open terrain using low vegetation for cover, as nilgai have excellent vision and will bolt into brush. Early morning and late afternoon movements along grass-scrub transitions offer the best stalking opportunities; use terrain folds and scattered trees to close distance.
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 1 country in Huntify.
Names in other languages
Current language: en
These field notes are general species knowledge, not legal advice. Always check the current seasons, quotas and firearm rules where you hunt.