The species inhabits open grassland, dry thorn scrub, scrubland and lightly-wooded country as well as agricultural margins, where it is often seen feeding in fields. Blackbuck require water daily, which restricts distribution to areas where surface water is available for the greater part of the year. Blackbuck are primarily grazers, but browse when lack of grasses forces a greater dependency on leaf litter, flowers and fruits. They are mainly sedentary, but in summer may move longer distances in search of water and forage (Rahmani 2001).

The Blackbuck formerly occurred across almost the whole of the Indian subcontinent south of the Himalaya. Their range decreased during the 20th century and they are now extinct in Bangladesh and Pakistan. Blackbuck are still present in the terai zone of Nepal (Bashistha et al. 2012). The species has been introduced to the United States of America (Texas) and Argentina.

Blackbuck is fully protected by law in India. Blackbuck occur in many protected areas, including Velavadar Blackbuck Sanctuary in Gujarat and Point Calimere Wildlife Sanctuary in the far south of India. The species is listed in CITES Appendix III (Nepal).