RED HARTEBEES

Alcelaphus buselaphus

SHOULDER HEIGHT : 1,2-1,37m

MASS : 150-159 kg

GESTATION – 240 days; single young, born in summer.

Although fleet of foot, this species is preyed upon by lion, leopard and wild dogs. Both sexes have horns. It is a social animal found in large herds. A popular game-farming species, it is found over a wide area of South Africa; herds of up to 30 and more have also been found in the Kalahari.

Diet – Grazers, preferring medium-high grass which they feed on fairly selectively. Competition for good grazing areas is strong. Will drink regularly although capable of going for long periods without water. It is believed that these antelope derive moisture from shrubs, succulents and melons.