16-4-2024 PANNA TIGER RESERVE, INDIA - NILGAI (Boselaphus tragocamelus)

The nilgai (Boselaphus tragocamelus) is the largest Asian antelope and is native to the Indian subcontinent. It is the sole member of the genus Boselaphus and was described by Peter Simon Pallas in 1766. The nilgai has been associated with Indian culture since the Vedic period (1500-500 BCE). They were hunted in the Mughal era (16th to 19th centuries) and are depicted in numerous miniatures.

This sturdy thin-legged antelope is characterized by a sloping back, a deep neck with a white patch on the throat, a short mane of hair behind and along the back ending behind the shoulder, and around two white spots each on its face, ears, cheeks, lips, and chin. A column of coarse hair, known as the "pendant" can be observed along the dewlap ridge below the white throat patch. The tufted tail has a few white spots and is tipped with black. The forelegs are generally longer, and the legs are often marked with white "socks". While females and juveniles are orange to tawny, males are much darker - their coat is typically bluish-grey. A white stripe extends from the underbelly and broadens as it approaches the rump, forming a patch lined with dark hair. Males have thicker skin on their heads and neck that protect them in fights. Only males possess horns, though a few females may be horned as well.

Nilgai occur in India, Nepal, and Pakistan. Significant numbers occur in the Terai lowlands in the foothills of the Himalayas. These antelopes are abundant across northern India. Nilgai prefer areas with short bushes and scattered trees in scrub forests and grassy plains. They are common in agricultural lands but hardly occur in dense woods. They can adapt to a variety of habitats. Though sedentary and less dependent on water, nilgai may desert their territories if all water sources in and around it dry up.Nilgai are active mainly during the day. They are social animals and live in groups. These groups are generally small, with 10 or fewer individuals, though groups of 20 to 70 individuals can occur at times. Females and juveniles do not interact with males, except during the mating season. Nilgai mark their territories by forming dung piles as much as 50 centimeters (20 in) in radius. They have good hearing and eyesight but they do not have a good sense of smell. 

They are typically tame creatures but may appear timid and cautious if harassed or alarmed; instead of seeking cover, they would flee up to 300-700 meters (980-2,300 ft) on galloping-away from the danger. Nilgai are generally quiet but will make short guttural grunts when alarmed, and females make clicking noises when nursing young. Alarmed individuals, mainly calves, give out a coughing roar that lasts half a second but can be heard by herds less than 500 meters (1,600 ft) away and responded to similarly. Fights take place in both sexes and involve pushing their necks against each other or ramming into one another using horns. Fights can be gory; despite the protective skin deep, lacerated wounds and even deaths might occur. Display behavior focuses on the throat patch and the beard and threatening opponents by pointing the horns toward them.