Nilgai

Nilgai(Boselaphus tragocamelus)

Phylum —chordata
Class — mammalia
Order — artiodactyla
Family — bovidae

Genus – boselaphus

Appearance

The Nilgai is the largest antelope in Asia. It stands 1–1.5 meters (3.3–4.9 ft) at the shoulder; the head-and-body length is typically between 1.7–2.1 meters (5.6–6.9 ft). Males weigh 109–288 kilograms (240–635 lb). Females are lighter, weighing 100–213 kilograms (220–470 lb). Sexual dimorphism is prominent; the males are larger than females and differ in coloration.

The Nilgai is characterised by a sloping back, a deep neck with a white patch on the throat, a short mane of hair behind and along the back ending behind the shoulder, and around two white spots each on its face, ears, cheeks, lips and chin. The ears, tipped with black, are 15–18 centimeters (5.9–7.1 in) long. A column of coarse hair, known as the "pendant" and around 13 centimeters (5.1 in) long in males, can be observed along the dewlap ridge below the white throat patch. The tufted tail, up to 54 centimeters (21 in), has a few white spots and is tipped with black. The forelegs are generally longer, and the legs are often marked with white "socks".

While females and juveniles are orange to tawny, males are much darker – their coat is typically bluish grey. The ventral parts, the insides of the thighs and the tail are all white. A white stripe extends from the underbelly and broadens as it approaches the rump, forming a patch lined with dark hair. The hairs, typically 23–28 centimeters (9.1–11.0 in) long, are fragile and brittle. Males have thicker skin on their head and neck that protect them in fights. The coat is not well-insulated with fat during winter, and consequently severe cold might be fatal for the Nilgai.

Only males possess horns, though a few females may be horned as well. The horns are 15–24 centimeters (5.9–9.4 in) long but generally shorter than 30 centimeters (12 in). Smooth and straight, these may point backward or forward.

Habitat

Major populations occur in the Terai lowlands in the foothills of the Himalayas (northern India), but the antelope is sparsely found in Nepal and Pakistan.

Behavior

The Nilgai is diurnal (active mainly during the day). The animals band together in three distinct kinds of groups: one or two females with young calves, three to six adult and yearling females with calves, and all-male groups with two to 18 members.

Diet

Herbivores, the Nilgai prefer grasses and herbs; woody plants are commonly eaten in the dry tropical forests of India.

Reproduction

Females become sexually mature by two years, while males do not become sexually active until four or five years old. The time of the year when mating takes place varies geographically, but a peak breeding season lasting three to four months can be observed at most places. Gestation lasts eight to nine months, following which a single calf (sometimes twins or even triplets) is born. As typical of several bovid species, Nilgai calves stay hidden for the first few weeks of their lives.

In captivity

The lifespan of the Nilgai is around ten years.

These animals are kept in large open areas with shelters from the wind and cold. There should be feeders (mangers) and drinkers.

The diet consists of 60% hay or straw, 25% grass and 15% mixed feed (you can use mixed feed for cows), vegetables and cereals. This diet consists of food for cattle and deer.