Docility Behavioral Development in Nilgai (Boselaphus tragocamelus), a Signs of Taming towards Domestication

Abstract

Nilgai has some unique ecological function and they may be beneficial in many ways. Killing of Nilgai is not a long - term solution to overcome human- animal conflict. A study was conducted to know the docility pattern and behavior of Nilgai (Boselaphus tragocamelus) in Bihar state, India. Present docility pattern shows that adult females graze with juveniles and dwelling near the human habitation in proximity of in a close distance in anthropogenic environments. It also grazes and share food & fodders with domestic animals like cow, goat, and buffalo in periphery of village areas. Only males possess horns though a few females may be horned as well. Females were less aggressive than males and are of different size and color. Adult males are in blue grey color which reveals sign of territoriality, whereas females color is light in shade which showed evidence of the existence of social hierarchy and increased docility behavior. Females were sitting in group with juveniles in gregarious forms, however, male were found to be scattered. Nilgai migrates in search of food towards cultivated grass, agricultural crops and periphery of the villages areas during dusk and return when less human activity during dawn. Shahabad area Bhojpur, Buxar & Sasaram are characterized by extreme hot and heavy rains. During the unfavorable condition (Rainy and summer season) they: showed seasonal migratory behavior. These behaviors marked in Nilgai may be developing closer social bonds with human being on a way towards domestic relationship. It can be integrated into human society in fevour of co-existence as well as a step towards domestication useful for human in coming future.