The blackbuck is a medium-sized antelope with a height of 74–84 centimetres (29–33 in) at the shoulder, a body length of 100–115 centimetres (39–45 in) and a weight of 20–32 kilograms (44–71 lb). Males are larger than females. It is fawn coloured with white underparts and distinctive corkscrew-shaped horns that males have. The fur of the blackbuck changes colour with the seasons. In the summer it is generally deep chocolate-brown in colour; while in winter, the colour becomes a lighter tan or sandy-brown. The rump is covered with long white hairs.
Blackbuck are found in grasslands, scrublands, and even cultivated fields. They are most commonly found in the Ganges plains of India, the Terai region of Nepal and the plains of Pakistan. They are also found in parts of Afghanistan and Iran.
Blackbucks live in small herds, consisting of a single male (stag) and several females (does) and their young. The herd is led by the stag, who is responsible for protecting the females from predators. Blackbuck are grazers and feed on grasses, leaves, and flowers.
The blackbuck is listed as Vulnerable by the IUCN. The main threats to the blackbuck are habitat loss and hunting. Hunting is illegal in most parts of India, but it still continues in some areas.