Red Hartebeest

Appearance

The Red Hartebeest is a large, reddish-fawn antelope with sloping back and long narrow face. Both sexes have heavily ringed horns. Of the 12 subspecies described in Africa, the Red Hartebeest is the only one which occurs in South Africa. Due to its re-introduction onto game farms and nature reserves, it has a wider distribution today. Adult bulls weigh 150 kg and measure 1.3 m at the shoulders, while cows only weigh 120 kg.

Diet

Red Hartebeest is predominantly a grazing species which prefers medium-height grass stands, and relishes fresh regrowth after veld fires or rain.

Breeding

Following a gestation period of eight months, single calves are normally born before summer rains. For a short period after being born, calves are hidden in dense vegetation before joining the herd.

Behaviour

Territorial bulls often present themselves on prominent mounds and mark their territories with dung piles. The Red Hartebeest is swift on foot and gregarious, occurring in herds of up to 30. To see an unusual encounter of a Red Hartebeest with a cyclist

Where they are found

Preferred habitat is the dry, arid regions of Namibia, the Kalahari, southern Botswana, northwestern South Africa.