From the archive record
Mesquite, Prosopis juliflora or Vilayati Keekar seems to have taken over this edge-of-desert habitat in Rajasthan, like in many other parts of India. Nilgai (Boselaphus tragocamelus), also called bluebuck, the largest Asian antelope (family Bovidae). The nilgai is indigenous to the Indian subcontinent, and Hindus accord it the same sacred status as cattle (both belong to the subfamily Bovinae). Nilgaihas a long neck with a short upright mane, a bony narrow head, a barrel-like chest, strong legs, and high withers sloping back to the croup. On the other hand, it has a hock-length cow’s tail that ends in a black tuft. Both sexes have similar markings; white areas include the cheek spots, ear tips, large throat bib, brisket, belly, rump patch, and underside of the tail. Its lower legs are band