African Antelopes
An Introduction To The More Common African Antelopes
Nearly any discussion of antelopes will have to include the African antelopes, as this is where the vast majority of antelope species are found. The North American antelope is not a member of the antelope family at all, and has been misnamed. Antelopes vary greatly in size and conformation. Most, but not all species, live in open country, relying on their great speed to escape. Only the cheetah can run faster than the fastest antelope, but the antelope, having greater stamina, can often outrun the cheetah if given enough of a head start.
African antelopes range form the very large Eland, which can tip the scales at over 1500 pounds and stands just under 6 feet at the shoulder, to the Royal Antelope, which typically weighs under 6 pounds. The best known of the small antelopes is probably the dik dik, which weights closer to 11 pounds. Most male antelopes are identifiable and noted for the shape of their horns, often spiral, curved, or a combination of both. In some species only the males have horns, in the majority of species, both sexes have horns. Antelope horns, unlike antlers, are hollow, permanent, and do not drop off every year.
As noted, the Eland is the largest African antelope, and is found over a large and varied habitat, including the slopes of Mt. Kilimanjaro. One of the more commonly observed antelope species is the Impala. The Impala is an exceedingly attractive and graceful animal, found primarily in the savannas and woodlands of southern and eastern Africa. The words Impala and elegance seem to go hand in hand. The Impala has been able to adapt to a variety of habitats, and moves about in fairly large herds.
The Kudu is one of the more spectacular looking of the African antelopes, with large twisting spiral horns which curve outward and upward. When the Kudu runs, it keeps its head low to the ground, and its horns positioned towards its back, to avoid getting them tangled in brush or branches. This species is also known for its tendency to migrate over large areas and distances. Although its horns are not as spectacular as those of the Kudu, the Sable antelope is according to some, the most beautiful of the antelope species. This jet black antelope (the females are reddish brown) lives in small herds of 30 or so animals. Once widely distributed, they now are found mostly in small pockets in Namibia and South Africa. As their numbers have dwindled, more and more Sables are under the protection of private reserves.
Two of the better known African antelope species are the Springbok and the Wildebeest. The Springbok is actually a member of the gazelle species. Its range is in southern Africa. Like the Sables, the Springbok was eradicated over much of its range, and now is found primarily in protected reserves. The Wildebeest, which actually consists of three species, is the most abundant antelope found in Africa. They live in open grasslands where water can be found, and are often found in the company of zebras.
There are many more African antelopes that could be discussed, and almost every one is interesting for one unique characteristic or another. Antelopes make for a fascinating study, if for no other reason than the great variety found within the antelope family.