Scientific Name:

Alcelaphus Caama

Description:

The Hartebeest (Alcelaphus buselaphus) is a grassland antelope found in West Africa, East Africa and Southern Africa. It is the only animal classified in the genus Alcelaphus. The word 'hartebeest' comes from the Dutch words 'hart'(heart) and 'beest'(beast/animal). 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.

Habitat:

Found in semi-desert savanna. May occur in open woodland but avoids dense woodland. Prefers open plains such as grassplains, floodplains, grassveld, vleis and strips of grass around pans. Independant of water.

Distribution:

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

Size:

Measure 1.3 m at the shoulders.

Weight:

Adult bulls weigh 150 kg while cows only weigh 120 kg.

Lifespan:

15-16 years.