Nilgai

Boselaphus tragocamelus

The nilgai is the largest antelope in Asia and biologically more closely related to cattle than to gazelles. Its name literally means “blue cow”: while females are sandy brown, mature males develop a striking blue-grey coat. In their native India, their name’s resemblance to cows has given them a special status: they enjoy special protection in many regions and are traditionally not hunted. When threatened, the long-legged nilgai do not flee in short sprints, but rather escape their enemies as tireless long-distance runners, covering many kilometers.