Nilgai are large antelope, native to the Indian subcontinent, specifically India and Pakistan. These animals are the largest Asian antelope species and can stand up to five feet tall at the shoulder, with males weighing over 600 pounds. While they are a common sight in their native range, Nilgai have also established a significant presence as an exotic species in Texas.
Origin of Nilgai in Texas
The introduction of Nilgai to Texas began in the late 1920s and early 1930s. In 1929 and 1930, twelve individuals were released onto the Norias Division of the King Ranch, a vast property located in South Texas. These initial animals were sourced from zoo stock, primarily for the purpose of establishing a game animal population.
The Nilgai adapted well to the Texas landscape, and their numbers quickly expanded. By the mid-1950s, the population had grown and began to spread from the original release site onto neighboring ranches. This successful establishment laid the foundation for the large, free-ranging populations observed in the state today.
Current Population Estimates
Estimating the number of Nilgai in Texas presents challenges due to their free-ranging nature and the vast areas they inhabit. Population figures are often based on surveys and various assessment methods. Early estimates placed the population around 15,000 individuals across south-central and southern Texas.
As of 2008, the feral population in Texas was estimated to be around 37,000, with other mid-2000s sources reporting figures exceeding 38,000. Current assessments suggest the population could be over 36,000, with some wildlife biologists estimating figures exceeding 50,000 animals. These estimates are derived from sources such as Texas Parks and Wildlife Department surveys and reports from landowners.
Geographic Distribution within Texas
Nilgai are primarily concentrated in the South Texas region. Their largest free-ranging populations are found on large ranches within Kenedy and Willacy counties. The core of their range extends from Baffin Bay southward towards Harlingen, encompassing areas like Kleberg and Cameron counties.
The South Texas brush country provides an ideal environment for Nilgai. They prefer dry, flat to rolling terrain characterized by moderate cover of thin forests or scrubland. This habitat offers ample forage, a temperate climate, and extensive contiguous tracts of land, contributing to their successful proliferation. While present in prairies, scrub forests, and oak forests, they avoid densely wooded areas.