Nilgai Hunting Program

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, and have an extended lip in front. Females lack horns and throat tuft, but are otherwise similar.  Once extremely abundant. Hunting nilgai on horseback was a favorite sport of the Mughal emperors who ruled much of India in the 16th-18th centuries. Hindus regard the nilgai as sacred because it is distantly related to the cow; however, it does not domesticate well and cannot be herded. Highly tolerant of man when unmolested, it learns quickly and can be very difficult to approach once subjected to hunting pressure.

Altitude: Plain game.

Temperature: 15°C to 30°C.