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A Texan transplant
Due to their popularity on hunting ranches, there are more blackbuck
in Texas than in their native India. The creation of national preserves
has rescued this animal from almost certain extinction. Over a hundred
blackbuck live at Fossil Rim. The breeding herd is kept in their
own enclosure.
How they behave
The blackbuck appear to live here much as they would in the wild,
very territorial. If a male is moved to another pasture, he will
attempt to return to his original home. The males also display aggression
toward other species. We've observed a very tight herd structure,
and they will readily turn and flee from the first sign of danger.
Texas A&M students frequently visit Fossil Rim to observe behaviors
of male blackbucks and their herds.
Unique Blackbuck
Lucky was hand-raised along with a small herd of fallow deer fawns. She now considers them her herd and associates with them instead of the other blackbuck. By nature blakbuck are extremely wary, however, several hand-raised blackbuck are accustomed to humans and will approach vehicles.
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