Where does the nilgai live?
The nilgai is the largest antelope in Asia. It is ubiquitous across the northern Indian subcontinent, and major populations occur in the Indian and Nepal Terai. Its name literally means "blue cow". It is the sole living member of its genus, first scientifically described by Pallas in 1766.
What does the nilgai eat?
Its diet encompasses grasses and herbs, though it also eats woody plants in the dry tropical forests of India. It is a shy animal that lives in a small group of 4 to 20 individuals, or sometimes alone, like an adult male. It relies on its sharpened senses to flee predators such as the tiger. Females and juveniles are orange to tawny, while adult males have a bluish-grey coat.
Is the nilgai endangered?
No: the IUCN lists it as Least Concern. It stands 100 to 150 cm at the shoulder. Males weigh 109 to 288 kg, and the lighter females 100 to 213 kg. Only males have horns, which are 15 to 24 cm long.
