The blackbuck antelope (Antelope cervicapra, L.) is one of the most popular exotic animals in Texas. Since introduction in Kerr County in 1932, the blackbuck has multiplied to nearly 19,000 on ranches throughout the state. Nevertheless, most still inhabit the Edwards Plateau. Here the control of coyotes to protect sheep and goats from predators has favored the blackbuck. The main problem with this native of the warm Indian subcontinent is occasional winter kills, which occur when snow hides pasture vegetation and prevents the antelope from getting enough food to maintain sufficient body heat.
As the name blackbuck implies, males darken at maturity. White highlights the eyes, ears, chin, underparts, and rump. Even fawns have these markings. They are brown but turn tan after about a month. Grown males have ringed horns spiraling in a V at least thirty-three centimeters (thirteen inches) above the head. Record trophies exceed fifty centimeters (twenty inches). Texas males average seventy-five centimeters (twenty-nine inches) in height at the shoulder. Females average seventy centimeters (twenty-eight inches). Live weights on Texas ranges average thirty-eight kilograms (eighty-three pounds) for males and twenty-six kilograms (fifty-eight pounds) for females, and maximum weight approximates fifty-seven kilograms (125 pounds) and thirty-three kilograms (seventy-three pounds), respectively.
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