SABLE

Hippotragus niger

SHOULDER HEIGHT : 1,07-1,37m

MASS : 181-227 kg

GESTATION : 270 days

Bulls are often solitary or associate in small groups. Herds are usually led by a cow. Bulls are aggressive, fighting among themselves during association with cows. Hardy and tough, they will defend themselves against lion, leopard and dogs. When wounded they lie down and defend themselves with their razor-sharp horns. Both sexes have horns. When the females are ready to give birth, like the roan antelope, they leave the herd. The young remain hidden for the first month.

Diet – Ninety per cent of the diet consists of grass. Will feed on broad leaves to a certain extent. Dependent on water.