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The daily life of black bucks: How do they survive and reproduce in the wild?
The black buck (scientific name: Antilope cervicapra), also known as the Indian antelope, is a medium-sized antelope native to India and Nepal, mainly inhabiting grasslands and flat forests. This creature has its own unique way of survival and reproduction strategy in nature. Let us take a closer look at their daily lives.
Basic characteristics and habits
The black buck can reach a height of 74 to 84 cm, and the weight of males ranges from 20 to 57 kg, while the weight of females is lighter, usually between 20 and 33 kg. Male black bucks have characteristic spiral horns that are 35 to 75 cm long, which make them more attractive during the mating season. Their coat color changes with age, with males usually appearing dark brown or black, while females and young black bucks appear yellow to light brown.
Black bucks are considered diurnal animals, active primarily during the day and forming small social groups of different types, including groups of females, males, and juveniles.
Reproduction and social structure
Female black bucks reach sexual maturity at eight months of age, but usually do not reproduce until they are two years old. Males mature at about a year and a half. The breeding season of black buck is not affected by season and usually reaches its peak in spring and autumn. During the breeding process, males attract females by establishing territories and use "pimping" to demonstrate their dominance. To attract females, males often display their pelts in visible areas, a behavior called lekking.
During the breeding season, males aggressively defend females by defending their territories, which can be up to 12 acres in size and are marked with scent and excrement.
Habitat and Diet
The habitat of the black buck is mainly in open grasslands and sparse forest areas, where there must be a permanent water source for their daily drinking. Their diet consists primarily of low-growing grasses, although they will occasionally eat shrubs and other plants, especially when grass becomes scarce. Studies have shown that the black buck's demand for grass varies in different seasons, with higher digestion efficiency in the rainy season and winter and lower in the hot summer.
Survival Challenges and Protection
Over time, the black buck has faced many challenges, particularly in the 20th century, when its numbers plummeted due to overhunting, deforestation and habitat destruction. At present, the number of black bucks mainly depends on the management of protected areas and is protected by law.
In India, hunting of black buck is banned under the Wildlife Protection Act to help its numbers rebound.
Cultural Significance
The existence of black buck occupies a special place in Indian culture. They are often considered sacred creatures and many communities respect and protect this antelope. According to Indian mythology, black bucks are believed to be the driving animal of Vayu, the god of wind, and in some poems their fur is considered to have sacred significance.
With the changes in the ecological environment and the impact of human activities, the survival of black bucks faces many challenges. In the face of these challenges, what can we do to protect these beautiful creatures and ensure they continue to live in our world well into the future?
