Nilgai (Boselaphus tragocamelus) Blue bull complete detail. Description of Nilgai – Boselaphus tragocamelus – Blue bull. Classification of Nilgai. Habit and habitat of Nilgai. Distribution of Nilgai (Boselaphus tragocamelus). They prefer arid areas, grassy steppe woodlands, scrub areas, dry deciduous forests and agricultural areas. They avoid dense forest and deserts.
The body color of adult male is dark grey, with blue appearance, and the body color of females is yellow brown, with paler appearance. The underparts of males are dark blue grey or or black in color, and the underparts of females are white or dirty white in color, with paler appearance. Both male and females have similar markings on body, white areas include the cheek spots, ear tips, large throat bib, edges of the lips and underside of the tail……….
The weight of male Nilgai is between 180 to 240 kg, and weight of female is between 120 to 220 kg. Head to body length measures about 170 to 200 cm. The length of tail about 30 to 50 cm. The hair of the adult is thin and oily, and skin is thick, particularly on the chest and neck of the bulls, where it forms a dermal shield. They have a white band along the brisket area goes over the abdomen and spreads between the hind legs, which forms a narrow rump patch that is outlined with darker hair………….
Breeding occurs throughout the year, but peak in November to March. Males are establish territories during the breeding season, attempting to gather and keep small herds of females within their area. Fighting occurs between dominant bulls for the females, and serious injury or death sometimes results.
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Distinctive Identification
Nilgai is a Schedule – III animal, according to wildlife (Protection) act, 1972 and classified as Least Concern (LC) by the IUCN.
The weight of male Nilgai is between 180 to 240 kg, and weight of female is between 120 to 220 kg. Head to body length measures about 170 to 200 cm. The length of tail about 30 to 50 cm. They are about 120 to 150 cm high at the shoulder.
Females and males can be easily distinguished by their body color and horns.
The body color of adult male is dark grey, with blue appearance, and the body color of females is yellow brown, with paler appearance.
The underparts of males are dark blue grey or black in color, and the underparts of females are white or dirty white in color, with paler appearance.
Both male and females have similar markings on body, white areas include the cheek spots, ear tips, large throat bib, edges of the lips and underside of the tail.
The hair of the adult is thin and oily, and skin is thick, particularly on the chest and neck of the bulls, where it forms a dermal shield.
They have a white band along the brisket area goes over the abdomen and spreads between the hind legs, which forms a narrow rump patch that is outlined with darker hair.
Nilgai has a long neck, a bony narrow head, and a barrel-like chest. They have long and strong legs. The color of legs is darker than the body color. Both sexes have a mane on the neck and develop a tuft of long hair on the throat.
Males have two horns, which become only about 16-20 cm long (Maximum recorded length is 29. 8 cm), and are black-coloured, sharp, and curved. Horns are absent in females.
Males are larger than females. Calves are pale brown in color.
Classification
Common Name –Nilgai / Blue bull
Local Name – Nilgai / Rojh / Roz / Rojra
Zoological Name – Boselaphus tragocamelus
Kingdom – Animalia
Phylum – Chordata
Class – Mammalia
Order – Cetartiodactyla
Family – Bovidae
Subfamily – Bovinae
Genus – Boselaphus
Conservational Status – Schedule – III, according to wildlife (Protection) act, 1972 and classified as Least Concern (LC) by the IUCN.
Distribution
They found in India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Nepal.
Habit and habitat
They prefer arid areas, grassy steppe woodlands, scrub areas, dry deciduous forests and agricultural areas. They avoid dense forest and deserts.
Nilgai is a social animal. Generally, they found in small herbs of 4 to 20, sometime found in large groups of 20 to 100 animals. They usually found in single-sex or mixed-sex herds. Adult males are often seen alone and wander widely. Male Blue bulls, after they reach old age, may be found leading a solitary life.
Nilgai is herbivorous animal (Primary consumer), they feed on various types of grass, leaves, herbs, shrubs, buds, flowers, seeds and fruits. They are diurnal, with peaks in activity in the early morning and late afternoon.
They drink regularly during the hot season but can go 2 to 4 days without water in cool weather.
They are shy and sensitive in nature. They have good eyesight and hearing, but they do not have a good sense of smell.
They are good runners, and can run up to 48 kmph. They can stand on their hind legs to browse as high as possible.
Nilgai is generally known as quiet animal. They produce short grunts when alarmed and clicking sounds when females feed their babies. Nilgai have been recorded making a roaring vocalization.
Breeding occurs throughout the year, but peak in November to March. Males are establish territories during the breeding season, attempting to gather and keep small herds of females within their area.
Fighting occurs between dominant bulls for the females, and serious injury or death sometimes results. Males will mate with more than one female during mating season.
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The age of sexual maturity is 18 to 30 months for females, and 30 to 42 months for males. The gestation period is between 8 to 9 months. At the end of pregnancy, female moves away from the herd to find a shelter for the calves.
Females give birth to 1 or 2 calves. In 50% of cases, female gives birth to two calves. Calves spend a month in hiding before beginning to accompany their mothers. The lifespan of nilgai is between 12 to 20 years.
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