Nilgai

Boselaphus tragocamelus

At first glance, the Nilgai antelope seems to have little in common with the cattle because of ist horse-like appearance. Scientific analysis discovered structural similarities to cattle

The name “Nilgau” should be composed of an Indian and a corrupt English word:

“nil” means “blue”, “gau” is derived from the English “cow”. The name alludes to the blue-grey colour of the males.

Besides deer goat antelopes, the Nilgau are one of India’s best-known and most frequently antelope species in zoos.

They don’t depend on the proximity of water, but drink at least every two to three days. At her first birth the female normally gets one cub. After that she usually gets twins.

Like all antelopes, it’s a fast runner. Their population was greatly reduced in the 20th century as a result of overhunting.