10 Unique Facts About Blackbuck – The Rare and Endangered Indian Antelope

India's Own Spiralled Beauty: The blackbuck, with its corkscrew horns and handsome coat, is indigenous to the Indian subcontinent and is noted for its grace and acrobatic skills. (Image: Canva)

Sacred in Some Parts of India: In states such as Rajasthan, the blackbuck is sanctified and safeguarded due to religious reasons, particularly among the Bishnoi people. (Image: Canva)

Impressive Spiral Horns: Only male blackbucks possess the characteristic spiralled horns, measuring as long as 30 inches, used during mating fights. (Image: Canva)

Swift and Agile Runners: Blackbucks are among the quickest antelopes, running at 80 km/h to outrun predators in the wild. (Image: Canva)

Males Change Colours: Male blackbucks become darker with age, getting a dark black-brown colour, whereas females and young blackbucks stay light fawn in colour. (Image: Canva)

Lives in Open Plains: They like dry open grasslands and semi-desert habitats and can be seen grazing in large herds on India's flat plains. (Image: Canva)

Threatened but Protected: Although threatened by habitat loss and hunting, blackbucks are now legally protected by India's Wildlife Protection Act of 1972. (Image: Canva)

Alert and Timid Nature: Blackbucks are timid and alert creatures, never far from their herd and quickly responding to danger. (Image: Canva)

Once Roamed Freely Across India: Formerly widespread throughout the land, blackbucks currently inhabit primarily guarded reserves and parks such as Velavadar and Ranebennur. (Image: Canva)

Symbol of Indian Wildlife Heritage: The blackbuck continues to be a symbol of India's rich wildlife heritage and a reminder of the need to preserve it for generations to come. (Image: Canva)