Blackbuck

- Antilope cervicapra (Linnaeus) : It has been classified as endangered by the IUCN list in 2003. Left as the only surviving species of Antilope family, blackbuck is confined to states such as in Maharashtra, Odisha, Punjab, Rajasthan, Haryana, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka. These are extremely fast grazers. Excessive hunting, poaching and encroachment into their habitable areas has put a serious threat on their existence. It was this blackbuck whose hunting led to acquittal of superstar Salman Khan. These hebivores have rich biological importance and need to be protected.