how many types of antelopes are in africa

According to Global Animals, there are many types of antelope. The natural predators that feed off of antelopes, for example, would lose their source of food. For safari tourists this can be an exciting time to visit as you are bound ot see many new born impala calves. (The North American pronghorn antelope looks and acts much like a gazelle but belongs in a separate family, the Antilocapridae.) Younger males form bachelor herds and wont be able to form their own territories until at least 6 years of age. Two of the species listed for South Africa are considered to be extinct. A large antelope, the hartebeest stands just over 1 m (3.3 ft) at the shoulder, and has a typical head-and-body length of 200 to 250 cm (79 to 98 in). South Africa is host to 29 of the 75 African species and on any safari you are bound to spot a number of different antelope. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. There are 72 antelope species in Africa, of which 21 are found in Kruger. Klipspringer have unique feet amongst antelope and actually walk on the tips of their hooves. Kudu in the foreground with Impala in the middle and Gemsbok at the back. Grazers usually found in pairs; mostly active in early morning and late afternoon; often freeze in the face of danger before bounding off; no predator can catch them once they get into rocky terrain, Browser; very habitat-specific to rocky outcrops and bouldered landscapes, particularly in Lebombo and south-western foothills. We hope you enjoy this website. The classification of tribes or subfamilies within Bovidae is still a matter of debate, with several alternative systems proposed. Both males and females have horns that spiral tightly, though female horns tend to be longer and thinner. Impala. However, only one attempt to domesticate these antelopes has been successful due to the high food supplemental costs, confining them at night, and herding them during the day. Poaching and human encroachment have brought about a significant decline in antelope population of Africa. A tuft of black hair grows out of the male’s prominent dewlap, the loose fold of skin that hangs down from the neck. Grazer; mixed savanna woodlands, most visible around Pretoriuskop and also western mopaneveld near Phalaborwa, Similar to sable antelope but has smaller body, horns similar to the Sable, and distinctive white eye and muzzle patches; adult males weigh up to 300kg and are 1,5m high; endangered species that is very rare in Kruger with small population of approximately 70 in the Park, Graze by day and night; found in herds of between two and five; seldom move out of their territory; strict male-dominant hierarchy, Grazer; open grassland pockets within thick woodland; rare in Kruger, Robust, well-built, shaggy antelope; conspicuous white ring on the rump; only males have horns, which curve forward; weighs up to 250 kg; shoulder height 1,2 m, Found in herds of between 10 and 30 animals, strong runners that often take to water when pursued by predators, often submerging almost completely, Usually near water throughout the Park, very common around Letaba, Most numerous antelope in the Park with over 130 000 adults at any one time; grazers and browsers; only rams have horns, they weigh up to 80kg and stand just under 1 metre tall ; graceful in movement, impalas can leap over a three-metre fence and can run in bursts of up to 80km/h; favoured prey of many predators, Single rams have harems of 10 ewes on average but herds can swell to over 50 after lambing season; young males leave to form bachelor herds; alpha males often challenged during rutting season in late summer, Grazer and browser; open savanna grassland but also common in mixed woodlands throughout the Park; uncommon in mopaneveld, Similar to kudu except that males have white nose bands, shaggy coats tipped with white and light legs; only males have horns; males weigh up to 90kg and stand 1,2m at the shoulder; lifespan of approximately 15 years; approximately 300 in Kruger, Forest-dwelling browser, feeding during night and day; occur in mixed herds of up to 10 bulls, ewes and calves; young bulls congregate in bachelor herds; often found with impala, Browser; dense bush along permanent water sources; more common in the north although there is a small population along the Sabie River, Medium-sized antelope with characteristic white patch on throat and white flecks on hindquarters; only rams carry horns; adult ramsweigh up to 80kg and are 1m tall; approximately 500 in Kruger, Nocturnal solitary browsers; sometimes form nursery herds; secretive, seldom moving out of bush cover; very good swimmers, Browser; thorn thickets and dense bush close to permanent water, mostly in the south-western foothills and northern sandveld; tame specimens at Letaba Camp, Fastest antelope, capable of galloping at speeds of over 90km/h; large reddish brown antelope with narrow face and shoulders higher than hindquarters; both sexes have horns; males weigh up to 160kg standing 1,3m high; lifespan up to 15 years; approximately 200 in Kruger, Daytime and nighttime grazer; found in groups of between two and four animals led by a dominant male; frequently use termite mounds as lookout points; can outrun most predators. If wildlife conservation measures are not implemented soon, it won’t be long before we find the names of these antelopes in the Red List―the list of extinct animals compiled by the IUCN. Festival of Sacrifice: The Past and Present of the Islamic Holiday of Eid al-Adha, Yasir Nisar, Pakistan/Moment/Getty Images. Thank you! Impala are the most common antelope in the north and estern parts of Southern Africa. They generally occur in dryer, semi-desert areas in central northern Southen Africa and in Mozambique. Males also live in bachelor herds. Both males and females have horns that spiral tightly, though female horns tend to be longer and thinner. When we talk about African wildlife, we often picture a cheetah chasing a gazelle in the vast open Savannah grasslands. The dominant male defends the females against strange males. The Roan antelope gets its name from its colour, a strawberry tint in certain light. Designed and Hosted by The Data Guys, a division of Photocommission.com. Their meat is highly prized, especially by illegal hunters, because each animal provides a large quantity of meat. Roan prefer lightly wooded and well grassed open savannah habitats and need available water. In the Kruger Park they are the second most populous antelope species after impala. Know about the different species of these herbivores, and have a sneak peek into…. The zebra duiker has a distinctive striped coat, hence the name "zebra." They browse more than they graze, feeding in areas where shrubs and bushes provide the leaves they prefer and using their horns to bring twigs and branches into reach. There are 75 species of antelope in Africa compared to the global species count of 91. Males are also more sedentary than females, who may travel widely, especially during the dry season. Eland are browsers but will take freshly sprouted grasses as well. © 2020 My Virtual Safari Designed and Hosted by The Data Guys, a division of Photocommission.com. Waterbuck are large animals seldom found far from water, hence their name. Donate now. Your email address will not be published. In this photo a male Gemsbok faces off against a Blue Wildebeest. This is most often done when fleeing predators. Species of Antelope Found in the African Continent Wildebeest. The Antelopes all have in common their deer-like features, smooth hair and horns, and sophisticated ability to run up to 25 meters per second. Crossing forests and rivers to bring COVID-19 supplies to remote villages, World Gorilla Day: Silverback Rafiki’s legacy lives on, Anti-poaching sanctuaries safeguard Africa’s rhinos. Most of the 91 species of antelope are native to Africa and live primarily in plains or grassland, or are indigenous to various regions of Eurasia. And without any antelopes to keep the plant population in check with their diet, there would be an overabundance of those same plant species which antelopes normally eat. A small antelope, grey in colour; tufted crest on head and dark stripe down muzzle; seen singly; only the male has horns, which are straight; can weigh up to 21kg and stand approx 60cm high; lifespan up to 10 years; mainly nocturnal. These cookies do not store any personal information. Copyright 2010 Updated 2019 Website by Stormhill Media. Like the Roan, Sable also fight from a kneeling position using backwards sweeps of the sharp, powerful horns. There are 299 mammal species in South Africa, of which two are critically endangered, eleven are endangered, fifteen are vulnerable, and thirteen are near threatened. This image was taken in Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park. Behaviour Oler males advertise their status and dominance by standing in an obvious position with head held high. Contributed by Nikela Volunteer Sanika Phadnis. The skins are then used for taxidermy. They also consume certain fruits, large bulbs, and tuberous roots. Kudu favour scub bushland for browsing and protection and are not generally found in open grassland. An update on the graceful and unique antelope species native to Africa. Keep on doing the amazing work! The diversity in antelope species of Africa is aptly highlighted by the stark contrast in the appearance of the smallest and largest species. African continent is home to more than 70 species of antelopes belonging to 24 different genera; that in itself speaks volumes about the biodiversity of this continent. Basically, Africa is home to several species of antelopes, including gazelles. Paying attention to the herd dynamics and behaviour of the animals often reveals secrets of the bushveld. They live in herds up to 30 animals but also form loose aggregations of over 150. Sables antelops striking features make them a favorite stop for safari goers. The cow-like eland is the world’s largest antelope. It was thought for some time that this strong smell makes them immune to predation, but this is not the case and they are preyed on by medium to large predators, including crocodiles. Natural enimies are lion, leopard, hyena and crocodiles. The horns poached by humans are then used as containers or musical instruments. The black mark just below the eye is called the preorbital gland and is used to deposit scent in a tar like substance. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. They also stand conspicuousy to warn other Klipspringers of their presence and although they do defend territories they seldom fight. The large antelope include the Eland (1.7m at shoulder), Kudu, Gemsbok, Roan, Sable and Waterbuck. An update on the graceful and unique antelope species native to Africa. Would you like to write for us? The older the male is more solitary, while younger animals may form small groups. In late spring and early summer the calves are born….the future generations of the herd. Lifespan up to 15 years; capable of running at 57km/h; approximately 550 in the Park. It has a very shaggy brown coat with thin, white stripes and long, curly horns. This is primarily due to similar food resources but both species benefit from the relationship. However, like the Gemsbok or Greater Kudu species, the Springbok species are hunted by humans for its coat. Gemsbok are quite common in Kgalagadi. They distance themselves from deserts, forests, and swamps. A List of African Antelope Species With Awesome Facts and Photos. Medium sized antelope include Bushbuck, Nyala, Impala and Springbuck. Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies.

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