Antelope cervicapra/Black Buck is

Options

A. Vulnerable
B. Endangered
C. Critically endangered
D. Extinct in the wild.

Answer

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Understanding the Question**: The question asks about the conservation status of the species Antelope cervicapra, commonly known as the Black Buck.

2. **Defining Conservation Status Categories**:
- **Vulnerable**: A species that is likely to become endangered unless threats to its survival and reproduction are mitigated.
- **Endangered**: A species that is very likely to become extinct in the near future.
- **Critically Endangered**: A species facing an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild.
- **Extinct in the Wild**: A species that no longer exists in its natural habitat and is only found in captivity or outside its historical range.

3. **Researching the Black Buck**: The Black Buck (Antelope cervicapra) is known to be endangered in India. It is protected under the 1972 Wildlife Protection Act, which categorizes it under Schedule 1, indicating it is at high risk and hunting it is a serious crime.

4. **Conclusion**: Based on the definitions and the specific status of the Black Buck, it is classified as "endangered" by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

5. **Final Answer**: The correct answer is option number 2, "endangered".

---