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The incredible black buck: Why is this antelope considered sacred in India?
The black buck (Antilope cervicapra), also known as the Indian antelope, is a medium-sized antelope native to India and Nepal. They typically inhabit grasslands and lightly forested areas and require a constant source of water to survive. The sheep are usually about 74 to 84 cm tall, with males weighing between 20 and 57 kg, while females are lighter, weighing about 20 to 33 kg. The male black buck has distinctive features, with distinctive spiral horns up to 30 centimeters long, dark fur, black stripes on the face and prominent white spots, making them very eye-catching in the wild. .
The black buck is an important symbol in Indian culture and is closely associated with a variety of religious beliefs, especially in Hinduism where it is regarded as a sacred creature.
In Hinduism, the black buck is considered a sacred animal and many villages insist on not harming the antelope, reflecting the locals' deep connection to nature. They appear in many legends and even serve as mounts for deities such as Vayu, the wind god, and Chandra, the moon god. In Rajasthan, people who believe in Karni Mata regard the black buck as a sacred protective creature, which makes the black buck not only an animal but also a symbol of culture.
The living environment of the black buck has gradually shrunk, and now it is mainly distributed in protected areas in India. They, which were once huge in number in history, are now facing threats to their survival.
During the 20th century, black buck populations declined dramatically due to hunting, deforestation and habitat destruction, and now live primarily in protected areas in India, such as Velavadar in Gujarat and the National Park in Rajasthan. In these protected areas, black bucks are provided with relatively safe habitats, which helps their recovery.
The life habits of black bucks are quite interesting. They are diurnal animals, usually active during the day, and rely on group living to resist the threat of predators. Females will mate with males during the estrus period, and males will usually engage in fierce territorial competition to obtain a mate. This is not only necessary for survival, but also a way to reproduce offspring. The weight and coat color of this antelope changes with age, with older males tending to be darker and more majestic in appearance.
Genomic research on the black buck shows that although their numbers have been severely affected in the past, their genetic diversity can still be protected through conservation actions and respect for local culture.
In addition to conservation efforts, local culture's respect for black bucks also indirectly protects their survival. Especially tribal communities like the Bishnois, who not only respect the black buck, but also consider the animal an integral part of their culture. These cultural identities promote the protection of black bucks because killing black bucks is illegal and unacceptable in these communities.
Nevertheless, the black buck still faces threats from a variety of factors, including illegal hunting and lack of habitat. Even within the protected area, black bucks still face external challenges. In some areas, their habitats are being destroyed due to agricultural expansion and urbanization, which poses a threat to their survival. Also, would you be surprised to learn about the cultural significance these antelopes carry and whether their importance to the environment would be more widely recognized?
