Blackbuck (Antilope cervicapra)
- Category: Schedule I (Wildlife Protection Act, 1972); Near Threatened – IUCN Red List
- Range Description: Native to India, primarily found in the open plains and semi-arid regions of Gujarat, Rajasthan, Punjab, and Haryana. Also found at the foothills of the Himalayas in moderate climates.
- Habitat & Ecology: Prefers open grasslands, dry scrublands, and regions with year-round water availability. Avoids cold climates and dense forests. Highly active during the day; forms herds ranging from 3 to 23 individuals. Known for its exceptional speed (50–80 km/h), blackbuck is one of the fastest running animals on land.
Major Threats:
- Poaching for skin and meat, especially before India’s independence.
- Habitat loss and degradation.
- Predation by wolves, hyenas, jackals, jungle cats, wild pigs, feral dogs, and pythons.