Creature Creation Project

An Innovation to save the BLACKBUCK

Group 5

Aashita Varma – 2011002

Avnika Suri – 2011138

Pragya Vatsa – 2011040

INTRODUCTION
ABOUT BLACKBUCK

The blackbuck (Antilope cervicapra) is an antelope species native to the Indian subcontinent that has been classified as endangered by IUCN since 2003, as the blackbuck range has decreased sharply during the 20th century. The main threats to the species are poaching, predation, habitat destruction, overgrazing, and diseases, in breeding and sanctuary visitors.
ABOUT CACTUS

A cactus (plural: cacti, cactuses, or cactus[1]) is a member of the plant family Cactaceae, within the order Caryophyllales. Most cacti live in habitats subject to at least some drought. Many live in extremely dry environments. Cacti show many adaptations to conserve water. Most species of cacti have lost true leaves, retaining only spines, which are highly modified leaves. As well as defending against herbivores, spines help prevent water loss by reducing air flow close to the cactus and providing some shade. In the absence of leaves, enlarged stems carry out photosynthesis. Cactus stems also store water, and are often ribbed or fluted, which allows them to expand and contract easily.

OUR ANIMAL – CACUEER
RATIONALE

We proposed the idea of a hybrid of Blackbuck and Cactus named “CACUEER”. The rationale behind the idea was to protect the Blackbuck from various threats like predation, habitat destruction, over gazing. The hybrid animal was designed such that the head and the bottom of the Blackbuck remain intact and the body is replaced with the Cactus. This will ensure that the animals are not predated by the superior animals and as the Cactus can prepare its own food the body of CACUEER will help it to survive in dry and arid regions as well. Also, the requirement to gaze will be reduced which will check the problem of over gazing.
CHARACTERISTICS

Males and females have distinctive coloration. Male Cacueer are dark brown, black, and white and have long twisted horns, while females are fawn coloured with no horns The horns of the Cacueer are ringed with 1 to 4 spiral turns, rarely more than 4 turns, and can be as long as 79 cm (31 in). In the male, the upper body is black (dark brown), and the belly and eye rings are white. The light-brown female is usually hornless.
ECOLOGY AND BEHAVIOUR

Cacueer generally live on open plains and can survive dry and arid regions as well. Usually in herds of 15 to 20 animals with one dominant male. It is primarily a diurnal animal. Cacueer are very fast. Speeds of more than 80 km/h (50 mph) have been recorded. The Blackbucks

were preyed upon by wolves and feral dogs which will not occur now as the body of the new creature is made up of Cactus. The diet of the Cacueer consists mostly of grasses, although it will eat pods, flowers and fruits to supplement its diet. The average life span recorded is 18 years which is greater than the average life span of a Blackbuck (12 years).
BREEDING

Cacueer males fight for dominance during the rut and protect their territories from intruding males. With their heads tilted back and horns are parallel, they proudly display for potential breeding does. Breeding can occur throughout the year, with peaks seen from August to October and March to April. Decline in the number of births during the winter months. Cacuuer does have a short gestation period of 5 months which allows them to breed twice a year. While they usually give birth to only 1 young at a time, 2 breeding cycles per year often results in 2 young born in a 12 month period. Cacueer reach sexual maturity at a year and a half (does as young as 8 months).