Also known as the blue bull, it is the largest Asian antelope and one of the most distinctive animals roaming the plains and scrublands of the Indian subcontinent. Native to India, Nepal, and parts of Pakistan, the nilgai is a sturdy, horse-like antelope that combines the grace of a deer with the strength of a cow. Its name “nilgai” comes from Hindi, meaning “blue cow,” a reference to the bluish-gray color of adult males, which adds to their unique appearance.

Their sleek, slate-blue coats, short, sharp horns (around 20 to 25 centimeters or 8 to 10 inches long), and white markings on the face and legs give them a striking look. Females are smaller and more slender, with a light brown or tawny coat and usually no horns. Both sexes have a distinctive tufted tail and a small, bristly mane along the back of the neck.

Nilgai are diurnal, meaning they are mostly active during the day, and they prefer open woodlands, grassy plains, and agricultural fields. They are herbivores, feeding on a variety of grasses, leaves, buds, and crops, which often brings them into conflict with farmers, especially in areas where wild grazing land has diminished. Their strong legs and sharp hooves make them capable runners, and they can gallop at high speeds to escape predators.

These antelopes are generally shy and wary, but not particularly aggressive. They tend to live in small herds, often segregated by sex, with males usually forming loose bachelor groups or roaming alone, while females and young form more stable herds. During the breeding season, or rut, males compete for access to females through displays and occasional head-butting contests.

Distribution

Country

Population est.

Status

Year

Comments

Bangladesh

Official estimate

EX

Extinct locally

India

2016

Mexico

2016

Introduced

Nepal

2016

Pakistan

2016

United States

2016

Introduced