Antelopes comprise a group within the family Bovidae encompassing only Old World species, none of which are native to Antarctica, the Americas or Australia.

Antelope of which there are 91 species in 30 genera are indigenous to various regions in Africa, Europe, India and Russia, with Africa having the largest diversity.

North America is currently home to the native pronghorn which, however, is not a member of the antelope group despite it being called the American antelope.

A group of antelope is called a herd.

Many antelope species have been imported to other parts of the world, especially North America, for exotic game hunting and some species which possess great jumping and flight skills have escaped and wild herds are increasing.

Accordingly, wild populations of blackbuck are found in the Edwards Plateau of central Texas, in Hawaii, other US states and Mexico. Although listed as near threatened, the population in the United States has been estimated at 35,000.

The African gemsbok (oryx gazelle) has been introduced to the Tularosa Basin in the White Sands area of New Mexico with populations estimated to be over 6000.

Wild population of nilgai (blue bull) exist in the US states of Alabama, Florida, Mississippi, Texas and the Mexican state of Tamaulipas, where they have escaped from private exotic ranches. As of 2011, the population of the nilgai around the Texas-Mexico border is estimated to be around 30,000.

The blackbuck, also known as the Indian antelope, is the sole extant member of the genus Antilope. The blackbuck is an antelope native to and found in India and while once in Bangladesh is now extinct there. Once widespread, now due to excessive hunting, deforestation and the degradation of habitat, the blackbuck population has declined drastically. Today in India, there are only a few small herds confined to protected areas where hunting of blackbuck is now prohibited. The blackbuck has been listed as near threatened.

The blackbuck has been introduced in Argentina and the United States.

The blackbuck is a moderately sized antelope. It stands up to 33 inches high at the shoulder. In the population introduced to Texas, males weigh from 44 to 126 pounds, with an average of 84 pounds. Females are lighter, weighing from 44 to 73 pounds with and average of 60 pounds.

The long, ringed horns resembling corkscrews are present on the males even though the females may develop horns. The male horns which form into a V-like shape, measure from 15 to 30 inches, but the maximum horn length recorded in Texas has been only 23 inches.

When driving across the hill country not far from Wimberley, Texas, I spot some strange animals that I have never seen before. I grab my camera, snap as many photos as possible until they disappear into the forest.

I then call my brother, describe the animal to him and he says, That is a Blackbuck, they are imported for hunting and some got away.