Food and Feeding Habits of Blackbuck (Antilope cervicapra) in Agricultural Crops and Associated Habitats in Telangana

Blackbuck (Antilope cervicapra) is a predominantly graminivorous species, consuming forbs, shrubs, and agricultural crops i.e., feeding mainly on fresh grass blades and tender parts of crops depending on seasonal availability. This study evaluates the dietary patterns of Blackbuck in Mahbubnagar, Telangana, India, highlighting the impact of seasonal variations, habitat preferences, and competition with livestock. Observations were conducted fortnightly from 2019 to 2022 using a modified bite count method, with plant species identification confirmed through field surveys. Results suggest that Blackbuck adapt their feeding habits to optimize nutrient intake, with notable dietary overlap with livestock. Blackbuck consumed 32 plant species, including 14 graminoids, 12 forbs, and 6 browse species. During summer in Mahbubnagar, they additionally feed on legumes of the exotic Prosopis juliflora, berries of Ziziphus species. Conservation and habitat management strategies should account for these interactions to maintain ecological balance and minimize human-wildlife conflict.