Nilgai (Boselaphus tragocamelus): Facts, Size, Habitat & Where to See in India
Quick Answer
The nilgai (Boselaphus tragocamelus) is a mammal listed as Least Concern by the IUCN. Asia’s largest antelope: bulls are blue-grey with a white throat patch and short horns; cows are tawny. Typical weight: bulls about 110–290 kg; cows 100–210 kg. IUCN Least Concern and widespread, especially at forest edges and farmland.. In Central India it lives in both Tadoba and Pench; the best time to see it is winter, in open buffer country and forest edges.
- Scientific name
- Boselaphus tragocamelus
- IUCN status
- Least Concern
- Weight
- Bulls about 110–290 kg; cows 100–210 kg
- Local name
- Neelgai / Blue bull (Marathi: Rohi)
Highlights
- Asia’s largest antelope: bulls are blue-grey with a white throat patch and short horns; cows are tawny.
- Grasses, leaves, agricultural plants and browse.
- IUCN Least Concern and widespread, especially at forest edges and farmland.
- Best time to see: Winter, in open buffer country and forest edges.
Nilgai Quick Facts
Key figures for the nilgai. Ranges vary between sources and regions; these are commonly cited values.
| Fact | Nilgai |
|---|---|
| Scientific name | Boselaphus tragocamelus |
| Family | Mammal · Bovidae |
| Local names | Neelgai / Blue bull (Marathi: Rohi) |
| Size | About 1–1.5 m at the shoulder |
| Weight | Bulls about 110–290 kg; cows 100–210 kg |
| Breeding | Gestation of about eight to nine months; twins are common. |
| Diet | Grasses, leaves, agricultural plants and browse. |
| IUCN status | Least Concern |
| Population | IUCN Least Concern and widespread, especially at forest edges and farmland. |
How to Identify a Nilgai
Asia’s largest antelope: bulls are blue-grey with a white throat patch and short horns; cows are tawny.
Combine shape, markings, movement and habitat rather than relying on size impressions alone, especially in poor light.
Nilgai Habitat
Open woodland, scrub, grassland and agricultural edges.
What Does the Nilgai Eat?
Grasses, leaves, agricultural plants and browse.
Diet shifts with season, age and what is locally available, linking the species to vegetation, prey, predators and scavengers.
Nilgai Behaviour and Breeding
India’s largest antelope; males and females differ strongly in colour and build.
Gestation of about eight to nine months; twins are common.
Nilgai in Tadoba
Present in the wider dry forest and edge mosaic of the Tadoba landscape.
Occurrence does not guarantee a sighting. Habitat, season, activity pattern and route all affect your chances.
Nilgai in Pench
Listed among the herbivores of Pench Maharashtra and documented in the MP landscape.
Pench MP and Pench Maharashtra are administered separately but form one connected landscape.
Best Time to See the Nilgai
Winter, in open buffer country and forest edges.
Morning drives are generally the most active. Book permits early for March–June, when demand peaks.
Nilgai Population and Conservation
IUCN Least Concern and widespread, especially at forest edges and farmland.
Although widespread, local conflict can arise where animals feed in cultivated areas.
Watching Responsibly
Keep the required distance, stay in the vehicle, and never feed, call, spotlight or pursue wildlife. Follow your guide at all times.
Do not share precise locations of dens, nests or cubs.
Frequently Asked Questions
How big is a nilgai?
About 1–1.5 m at the shoulder. Bulls about 110–290 kg; cows 100–210 kg.
Is the nilgai endangered?
The IUCN lists it as Least Concern. IUCN Least Concern and widespread, especially at forest edges and farmland.
What does the nilgai eat?
Grasses, leaves, agricultural plants and browse.
Where can I see the nilgai in India?
In Central Indian tiger reserves including Tadoba-Andhari and Pench. Winter, in open buffer country and forest edges.
What is the nilgai called locally?
Neelgai / Blue bull (Marathi: Rohi)
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Sources & References
Facts on wildlife and visitor access can change. These are the principal references for this page; always confirm current permits and rules with the responsible forest department.
Photo Credits
Photos without a credit below are by Wild Excursions. The rest come from Wikimedia Commons under the licences shown.
- Nilgai bull standing at the forest edge in Tadoba — AmolTG, CC BY-SA 4.0
- Male nilgai walking through a crop field in Madhya Pradesh — Charles J. Sharp, CC BY-SA 4.0
- Dirt track at the Andhari buffer entry of Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve — Sachin Gorade, CC BY-SA 4.0
- Straight teak trunks lining a red-earth trail in Pench National Park — Minku2016, CC BY-SA 4.0
- Wide view of the largest lake in Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve under a clear sky — Aashay25, CC BY-SA 4.0
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