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blackbuck
📅 Updated:2018-01-06
🕒 Created:2018-01-06
🆔 ID:18851
Description
The blackbuck (Antilope cervicapra) is an antelope native to India, Nepal, and Pakistan. Its most distinctive features are the male's two horns, which are ringed, long, and turned in a spiral like corkscrews.
Although their numbers were severely depleted in the twentieth century due to hunting, deforestation, and habitat degradation, they are still relatively common in India, where they are currently protected by law. They were also introduced to Argentina and Texas, where they are thriving.
Blackbucks are significant in Hinduism, and Indian and Nepali villagers won't harm them. According to Hindu mythology, the blackbuck pulls the chariot of the god Krishna and is ridden by the wind god Vayu, the moon god Chandra, and the divine drunk Soma. As the hide of a blackbuck is sacred in Hinduism, only certain priests and religious figures are allowed to sit on one.
