Antelopes are known for their friendly, social, and smart behavior. They prefer living on herbs and noshes on herbivorous diets. All species of Horns have some difference in their horns in one way or another and you will be surprised to know that the antelopes renew their horns every year. Around 91 species of antelopes are known worldwide and here I am presenting 10 species of antelopes in Africa,
Species Of Antelopes In Africa
1. Common Eland
Common Eland, is an herbivorous animal weighing 300-100 kg and growing 75-136 inches long and found in plains, forests, and savannas of Africa. It is one of the largest antelopes found in the world with a life expectancy of 15-25 years. Its spiral horns add elegance to it as they somewhat look like a unicorn’s horn.
Its attractive deer-like eyes and yellow-brown furry body with white stripes add beauty to it. Its fur turns black with aging and eats grasses, fruits, leaves, and water. An attention-grabbing verity about eland is that on walking its joints make a clicking sound which acts as a signal for its tribe.
Also Read: All You Need To Know About Amphibians vs Reptiles
2. Impala
Impala is a 3-4 feet long antelope found in the eastern and southern regions of Africa. It is an herbivorous animal with a life expectancy of 12-15 years. An Impala has a reddish brown furry body with white coverings. The male impalas are identified by horns which are absent in females.
Its horns can grow up to 36 inches long and are black. Impala is a very attractive and adorable animal and feeds on fruits, shrubs, leaves, and plants. Impala can cover a distance of 33 ft in one jump and this capability defends this stunning animal from predators.
Image Source: World Animal Foundation
3. Greater Kudu
The greater kudu is a corkscrew horned antelope weighing 225-350 kg and grows 40-56 inches tall. Greater kudu can be seen in mountains, plains, and hills of Eastern and Southern Africa and has a life expectancy of 7-8 years.
It has reddish brown to the grey furry body and white stripes all over the body. Greater kudu can cover 2 meters in one go and feeds on plants, grasses, shrubs, and leaves. But, this antelope is brutally hunted for its horns as they can be used in crafting musical instruments, and its meat is enjoyed.
Image Source: Wikimedia
4. Sable Antelope
The giant sable antelope has a powerful and muscular body and weighs around 220 kg. It grows 46-56 inches tall and has a life expectancy of 16-17 years. Its long ringed horns grow up to 65 inches and its ears are 6-7 inches long. Sable antelope is herbivorous and nourishes on leaves, plants, and shrubs. Interestingly, the sable antelope holds the position of the national symbol of Angola and is seen on Angolan currency, stamps, and passports. It possesses so much power that it can kill even lions and many other giant animals.
Image Source: Wikipedia
5. Springbok
A springbok is a four-legged antelope weighing 27-42 kg and growing 47-59 inches long. It is found in grass plains and deserts of South Africa and has a life expectancy of 10 years. It has a brown hairy body covered with white fur. Its long horns and pointed ears add beauty to it. The dark brown stripes running on its face are distinguishing features of the springbok. It is a cute lean antelope feeding on grass, leaves, shrubs, succulents, and plants.
Image Source: Wikimedia
6. Waterbuck
The African antelope weighing 354-757 lb is found in tropical forests and savannas of sub-Saharan Africa. It grows 5-7 feet long and has a life expectancy of 18-30 years. It has a muscular body and its shaggy furry coat is brownish-grey which keeps darkening with age. Its neck has long shaggy hair, large rounded ears, and a white ring on either side of its rump. This ring is the follow-me sign for the rest of the group members. It majorly survives on water and prefers living near water areas.
Image Source: Wikimedia
7. Gerenuk
Gerenuk can grow as long as 4.6 to 5.3 feet and weighs 85 to 90 lb. It is found in woodlands, forests, and plains of Africa and has a life expectancy of around 8 years. It is known for its resemblance with the giraffe and is also known as Giraffe Gazelle.
A gerenuk is a long-necked antelope with a small head and big eyes and ears. It has a short reddish-brown fur coat and a short tail. The scent glands present in its knees are the unique mark of its territory. It is an adorable and beautiful animal that feeds only on fruits, leaves, flowers, and buds.
Image Source: Wikimedia
8. Nyala
A nyala is a stunning and exceptional antelope of Africa. It weighs around 98-125 kg and grows 53-77 inches long. It is found in dry savannas and woodlands of Southern Africa and has a life expectancy of around 19 years. It has a brown to the gray body with white undersides and stripes all over the body.
Male nyala is having yellow-tipped horns while females don’t have horns. A few spots are also visible on the face, throat, and thighs. Its large round ears add beauty to it and make it elegant. It has a herbivorous diet and feeds on plants, stems, fruits, and leaves but majorly water.
Also Read: 10 Amazing Furry Animals in the World
9. East African Oryx
The grey-white furry animal is found in semi-deserts, dry savannas, and grasslands of Africa. Its underside is white and has black stripes all around its eyes and mouth. Its horns are long and straight growing 30 inches long with a life expectancy of 18 years. It weighs 160-200 kg and grows 5-6 feet long.
It also has ability to survive in extremely low water conditions and feeds on grass, leaves, fruits, and plants. Furthermore, it is also enlisted as endangered on IUCN Red List but still it can be hunted with a legal hunting license. It is one of the most amazing species of antelopes in Africa.
Image Source: Wikimedia
10. Harnessed Bushbuck
A common species of antelope is the harnessed bushbuck found in rain forests, grasslands, and shrublands of sub-Saharan Africa. It weighs around 44-80 kg and grows 3.9 feet long with a life expectancy of 15 years. It has a light brown hairy coat with seven running stripes on its back. Its color changes according to its surrounding. As the density of area increases, the color of its fur also becomes dense.
Male antelope bear horns which grow up to 1 meter and a single fold. It is a cute animal and is not dangerous for humans too. It also has the ability to swim and freezes itself to avoid predators and guard itself.
These are the amazing species of Antelopes in Africa. Kindly share and do post your comments.
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