Blackbuck (Antelope Harna): Graceful Sprinters of the Plains
The blackbuck, native to India, is a small and elegant antelope known for its speed and agility. Males are easily recognizable by their striking black-and-white coats and spiral horns, while females are lighter in color. Blackbucks are social animals, often forming herds that graze on grasses and shrubs in open plains. These antelopes are incredibly fast, capable of reaching speeds up to 80 km/h to escape predators like cheetahs and wolves. Despite their resilience, blackbuck populations have declined due to habitat loss and hunting. Conservation efforts in protected reserves have helped stabilize their numbers, preserving their role in the savanna ecosystem.