Pronghorn

Antilocapra americana

Conservation Status

Least Concern

Mammalia · Artiodactyla · Antilocapridae

About

The pronghorn is a species of artiodactyl mammal indigenous to interior western and central North America. Though not an antelope, it is known colloquially in North America as the American antelope, prong buck, pronghorn antelope, and prairie antelope, because it closely resembles the antelopes of the Old World and fills a similar ecological niche due to parallel evolution. It is the only surviving member of the family Antilocapridae.

Fun Fact

Pronghorns are the fastest land mammals in the Western Hemisphere, reaching 88 km/h (55 mph), and their speed likely evolved to outrun the now-extinct American cheetah.

Quick Facts

Habitat

Grasslands and deserts

Diet

Herbivore

Lifespan

10-15 years

Threats

Overgrazing
Agricultural Conversion

External Data Sources

Recent sightings on iNaturalist IUCN Red List profile

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