Neelgai in our tiger reserves

Nilgai by Teerath Singh

India is rich in diversity of fauna with a species tag of three hundred fifty plus. The country is home to both the deer and antelope species.  Nilgai or Blue Bull belongs to the family of antelopes and displays all characteristic morphological and behavioral traits of being one.

Unlike the Black Buck and Indian Gazelle which belong to the genus antelope, Nilgai is widespread and abundant. The animal is considered sacred by Hindus and hence spared from hunting. Nevertheless, conflict with man is a severe problem as it raids the agricultural fields all over its area of existence.  

In MP the animal can be seen in Kanha Tiger Reserve at Sarhi Zone. It can also be seen at Bandhavgarh, Pench, Panna, Nauradehi, and other tiger reserves and WLS in Madhya Pradesh.