Wildlife
Blue Bull Nilgai Nepal: Asia's Largest Antelope
The nilgai or blue bull is Asia's largest antelope and a distinctive sight in Nepal's Terai grasslands. Despite its size, it is surprisingly elusive in dense vegetation.
Overview
The nilgai or blue bull (Boselaphus tragocamelus) is the largest antelope in Asia, with males standing 1.5 m at the shoulder and weighing up to 300 kg. Adult males have a distinctive blue-grey coat -- the source of the "blue bull" name -- while females and young are tawny brown. The species is sacred to Hindus (who associate it with the cow) and is largely protected by religious custom in addition to wildlife law, which has helped it survive in Nepal's Terai.
Terai Distribution
Nilgai are found across the Terai lowlands from Kanchanpur in the far west to the eastern Terai districts. They prefer open grassland and scrub forest adjacent to agricultural land. Shuklaphanta Wildlife Reserve, Bardia National Park, and the buffer zones of Chitwan regularly have small groups of nilgai visible from roads and jeep tracks. Early morning drives near the Mahendra Highway through the Terai frequently produce sightings.
Males are usually seen alone or in small bachelor groups outside the rut. Mixed herds of females with calves number five to fifteen animals and are more frequently seen near grassland-forest edges.
Identifying Characteristics
Males have a distinctive tufted throat patch (dewlap) and short, straight horns. The white spot on the cheek and white leg "socks" are visible at medium distance. Females lack horns. Both sexes are considerably larger than spotted deer, which they often associate with in mixed groups.
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FAQ
Are nilgai hunted in Nepal?
Nilgai are protected under Nepal's National Parks and Wildlife Conservation Act. Hunting is illegal throughout Nepal. In India they are sometimes considered agricultural pests and culled in some states, but this does not apply in Nepal.
What time of day are nilgai most active?
Dawn and dusk are peak activity periods. During midday heat they rest in shade at forest edges. October to April is the best season for reliable sightings in the Terai.
Can nilgai be seen near Lumbini?
The buffer forests near Lumbini and the Dang Valley hold nilgai populations. A morning drive through the agricultural land bordering Deukhuri Valley sometimes produces sightings.
