The main threats to these animals are poaching, predation, habitat destruction, overgrazing, disease, inbreeding and sanctuary visitors. Blackbuck is mainly hunted for its flesh and skin.
The Indian government has now strictly prohibited the killing of these endangered animals. They are protected in India under the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972. One of the most popular Indian film stars, Salman Khan, was sentenced to five years imprisonment for killing two blackbucks and several endangered chinkaras. At present only 50,000 individuals remain alive
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