Red Hartebeest
Alcelaphus buselaphus
Conservation Status
Least ConcernMammalia · Artiodactyla · Bovidae
About
The hartebeest, also known as kongoni or kaama, is an African antelope. It is the only member of the genus Alcelaphus. Eight subspecies have been described, including two sometimes considered to be independent species. A large antelope, the hartebeest stands just over 1 m at the shoulder, and has a typical head-and-body length of 2 to 2.50 m. The weight ranges from 100 to 200 kg. It has a particularly elongated forehead and oddly-shaped horns, a short neck, and pointed ears. Its legs, which often have black markings, are unusually long. The coat is generally short and shiny. Coat colour varies by the subspecies, from the sandy brown of the western hartebeest to the chocolate brown of the Swayne's hartebeest. Both sexes of all subspecies have horns, with those of females being slenderer. Horns can reach lengths of 45–70 cm (18–28 in). Apart from its long face, the large chest and the sharply sloping back differentiate the hartebeest from other antelopes. A conspicuous hump over the shoulders is due to the long dorsal processes of the vertebrae in this region.
Fun Fact
Red hartebeest are one of the fastest antelopes at 70 km/h and have an unusual stiff-legged jumping display called 'stotting' to signal fitness to predators before fleeing.
Quick Facts
Habitat
Inhabit dry savannas, open plains and wooded grasslands, often moving into more arid places after rainfall.
Diet
Eaths from grass stems.
Lifespan
15 years
Threats
- Habitat Change
- Human Disturbance