0The Black Buck,(Antelope cervicapra) (Krishna
Saar) is an endangered and fully protected species in Nepal. The adult male
Black Buck has striking Black and white pelage (fur) and long spiral horns.
Horns seldom exceed 50 cm and may reach 65 cm in Nepal.
Young males, called bucks are light brown in color and after 3 years their pelage
turns quite black. Females called does are beige in color and hornless. A well-grown
buck stands about 32 inch (80 cm) at the shoulder and on the average weigh 40
kg. Black bucks are territorial, although they take occasional trips to surrounding
terrain.
The territoriality exhibited by the species is the result of the dominance shown
by the adult males. Females do not make any territory of their own. Their habitat
is open grass land with thorny and dry deciduous forest. They prefer ectonal
region between the forest and grass land. They prefer to be in group ranging
15 - 20 individuals.
Biological Importance:
As other animal it is also a part of Nature and we need to conserve it for future
generation. Black buck is one of 26 species of mammals, which have been declared
endangered and protected by low in Nepal.
Economic Importance:
Each species has value and meaning. In present context Biodiversity richness
is greater than monetary value.
Genetic Importance:
Cross breeding and development of high breed for domestic use.
Local Importance:
Tourist, researcher, animal lover may come tosee this important animal and it
will help the diffusion of local culture or production to the external national
or international visitor.
Ecological Importance
System within a system.
National Importance:
Tourism development and decentralization of tourist flow.
Recreational Importance
Tourism and Eco-tourism.
Reproduction:
Mating season is August to October and March to April. Male buck performs proud
heads-up displays (nose up and horns parallel to the back) to attract the attention
of female does. Male engages in rutting behavior throughout the whole year.
The rut consists of fighting and sparring between males with their horns. The
spiral shape of horns automatically locks the horns together so rarely do the
animals get hurt. The bucks do this as a form of play as well as to assert dominance
and breeding privileges.
Habitat:
They like to live in open grassland and dry thorn and scrubland. They like to
be in herds about 20 to 30 individuals. A herd generally inhabits around 200
to 300 acres of land. A dominant male marks the territory by shifting and pawing
the ground and urinating and defecating at established piles.
Food Habit:
Black buck are herbivore animals. They graze the soft grass and eat leaves,
herbs and shrubs. The like to graze to vast area from the down to dust and take
rest on shadow of the tree.
Features:
The keen eye sight and fast speed of Black Buck are its main protection against
predators. When alarmed, the herd moves off in a series of high leaps and bounds,
then breaks off into a quick gallop. It is one of the fastest animals in the
world. The record shows that they can run 80 kilometer per hour if necessary.
Problems:
Black Buck is only found in situ condition in Gularia Municipality of Bardiya
District in Nepal.