FOUR-HORNED ANTELOPE

 FOUR-HORNED ANTELOPE

Local name : Chowsinga, Ghuntadu, Ghutar, Ghutari 

Physical measurement & life cycle : 

Length : 95 cm 

Weight : 15-20 kg 

 Height  : 60 cm (horns: front-3 cm, back-10 cm) 

Gestation : 3.5 months

 Litter size : 1-2 

 Life span : 15 years 

Breeding : January-May 

Maturity: 20-22 months  

 Description

This is the only antelope in Gujarat (and India) with two pairs of horns, It is reddish brown from above and white below. Its horns are not ringed. A pair of glands exists in hind-legs. The female is similar to the male but do not have horns and is slightly shorter.

Distribution

It occurs in South Gujarat, Gir and Girnar forests in Saurashtra, as also in Sabarkantha, Panchmahals and Vadodara districts.

Habitat

It is found in open to dense forests in hilly and undulating country.

Behaviour

Crepuscular. It is seen usually solitarily or in pairs. It prefers areas not far from a waterhole. Usually, comes out in open areas for feeding, but does not wander too far from the edge of the forests. This is quite a shy animal that defecates at one place.

Signs of presence

 Small "Aakhali" (a place for defecating) Year 1990 Nos.

The front pair of horns in this species is always shorter. Some times they appear just like bony knobs under the skin. Moreover, this species has a pair of well-developed glands between false hooves of the hind legs In both males and females. No other animals ot his group has this type of glands. It has a low whistling call which the bucks repeat frequently in hot weather. Much more dependent on water (for drinking)than other members of its group.