NilGai

Post date: 27-Jan-2010 10:43:40

Latin name : Boselaphus tragocamelus (Pallas)

Local Name : Nil, Nilgai, Roz & Rojra (Hindi), Rohu & Nilgai (Marathi)

The Nilgai is one of the most frequently seen wild animals of northern India. It measures 1.2 to 1.5 m at the shoulder and are 1.8 to 2 m long and has 40 to 45 cm tail. The average mature Nilgai weigh 120 to 240 kg and babies are 13.6 to 15.9 kg. In build, Nilgai is like horse. It has thin legs and a robust body that slopes down from the shoulder. They have two small conical horns on the head and an erectile mane on the back of the neck and a strip of hair the middle of the throat. The females are yellow-brown while males gradually darken to a grey-blue as they reach maturity.

The Nilgai can easily be spotted the plain areas of north India. It is found only in the Indian peninsula from the base of the Himalayas to Karnataka. They are also seen in the border areas of the Rajasthan. They live in the herd that ranges from 30 to 100 animals and depend on grasses, leaves, buds, and fruit. They has a very excellent speed of running and can manage without water for a long period.