Nilgai
Boselaphus Tragocamelus
The Nilgai is the largest antelope species in Asia and is native to India and Nepal. Their name means “blue cow” in Hindi, referring to the blue-gray color mature males develop.
At A Glance
Weight: Males weigh 240–635 pounds; females weigh 220–470 pounds
Size: About 3.3–4.9 feet tall at the shoulder
Lifespan: 10–20 years
Location: Native to India and Nepal
Fun Facts
- Mature males have a blue-gray coat and short horns, while females are tan-brown and hornless.
- Nilgai often live in herds of 10–20 animals, but adult males are frequently seen wandering alone.
- They commonly have twins, and triplets are not unusual.
- Nilgai create and use dung piles called middens to mark areas.
- They graze during rainy seasons and also eat leaves, flowers, seeds, and herbs.
IUCN Status
IUCN is the International Union for Conservation of Nature. They collectively work to determine what animals are endangered, at risk, or stable. Learn More about IUCN here.
IUCN Red Status: Least Concern
IUCN Green Status: Not Evaluated