English: Nilgai; French: Nilgaut; Canarese: Kard-Kadrai; Gonds: Guraya; Hindi: Nil, Nilgao; Ho-Kols: Murim; Marathi: Ru-i; Maravi: Mairu; Nepali: Nilgai, Godh Gadha; Tamil: Manu-potu.
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Former distribution: As now.
Present distribution: Eastern Pakistan, peninsula of India, not in Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Assam.
Behaviour: Preferred habitat: open woods and grassy regions; living alone or in small family herds; graze and browse trees, sugar cane, grass and also eat fruits; activity diurnal. Predators include tigers and leopards.
Population status: Stable. Rare in Pakistan. Estimated numbers: no records.
Brief notes:
Body weight: 220-245 kg
Head and body length: 200-210 cm
Tail length: 45-55 cm
Shoulder height: 120-150 cm
Gestation period: 245 days
Maximum age: About 15 years (in captivity 21 years)
Trophy: Record SCI: 33 1/8 score, 1985 Nepal, ROBERT W. KUBICK; average 24 score. RW’s: 11 3/4″, 1927 India, British Museum; average 7″.
Hunting methods: Stalking, from machan, with beaters, on horseback with spears.
Remarks: Female Nilgai have no horns; populations are decreasing in numbers, despite being regarded as sacred by most of the Hindu farming people.
