Nilgai | Online Record Book Preview

Boselaphus tragocamelus

Nilgo (Sp), Nilgau Antilope, Blaubock (G), Nilgaut (F). Also called blue bull. "Nilgai" (or nilgau) is from the Hindustani nil (blue) and Farsi gau (cow).

DESCRIPTION (male) Shoulder height 52-58 inches (130-150 cm). Weight 530-600 pounds (240-270 kg). Females are about one-half the size of males.

An odd-looking, horse-like antelope with high shoulders, low rump and very small horns. Overall color is iron-gray, with white markings on cheeks, ears and fetlocks. There is a tuft of stiff, black hairs on the throat and a mane on the neck and shoulders. The horns (males only) are short, straight and conical, with an extended lip in front. The female lacks horns and throat tuft, but is otherwise similar.

DISTRIBUTION Private ranches, mainly in Texas, but also in several other U.S. states and in Mexico.

REMARKS Native to eastern Pakistan and India, where it was once extremely abundant, the nilgai was the first exotic hoofed mammal to be introduced in Texas. First released on the King Ranch in 1930, with further introductions continuing until 1949. The first animals reportedly came from a bankrupt circus, but most subsequent stock was obtained from the San Diego Zoo. Later transplanted from the King Ranch to ranches in nine other counties in Texas and one near Nuevo Laredo, Mexico. Texas populations were estimated at 10,000 in 1988, mainly in the southern part of the state where nilgai are ranched for meat production. Also introduced on private properties in South Africa, England and Italy.