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20 Types of Antelope in Africa: A Guide to the Continent’s Diverse Species

By Vernon Patterson

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Africa boasts an astonishing diversity of antelope species, each uniquely adapted to survive across various landscapes within the continent. With ecosystems ranging from dense forests to vast savannahs, these antelopes are a testament to the adaptability of wildlife in Africa. From the tiny dik-dik to the majestic eland, the continent serves as a sanctuary for these elegant creatures.

topi antelope

Antelopes play a crucial role in the African ecosystem as grazers and browsers, keeping the vegetation in check and serving as prey for predators. They are revered for their speed and agility, which are vital for escaping the clutches of lions, leopards, and cheetahs. The continent’s antelope species exhibit a fascinating array of horns, coats, and behaviors that reflect their specific habitats and lifestyles.

Understanding the various types of African antelope helps highlight the continent’s rich biodiversity. Conservation efforts are essential to protect these species against habitat loss and poaching. As they continue to roam the African plains and forests, antelopes remain emblematic of the wild beauty found only in this part of the world.

Classification and Family

Antelopes are diverse members of the Bovidae family, which falls under the umbrella of ruminants, a group of grazing mammals that includes cattle and sheep. Within the Bovidae family, antelope species are spread across several subfamilies, indicating their wide-ranging characteristics and evolutionary paths.

Antelope Subfamilies

The Bovidae family comprises distinct subfamilies that include antelope species. Antilopinae is a subfamily known for species like gazelles, while Tragelaphini, often referred to as the spiral-horned antelopes, includes larger antelopes such as the kudu and eland. Another group, Cephalophinae, consists of the duikers, which are small to medium-sized antelopes. Bovini encompasses larger bovids like buffalo, and Neotragini includes the dwarf antelopes.

Tribe and Genus

Within these subfamilies, antelopes are further broken down into tribes and genera. For example, the tribe Tragelaphini includes genera such as Tragelaphus and Taurotragus, which represent the nyala and eland, respectively. Each genus houses one or more species that share common traits although they may display significant individual differences.

While not antelopes, relatives like the giraffe and pronghorn share a distant kinship within the Bovidae family and ruminants overall. The pronghorn, however, is native to North America and is not classified as an antelope despite some similar characteristics.

Notable Species of African Antelopes

Africa is home to a diverse range of antelope species, each with unique adaptations and characteristics. They range from the largest and heaviest to the smallest and most graceful, with different species found across various terrains of the continent.

Impala (Aepyceros melampus)

  • Length: Males: 4.5 to 5.6 feet (1.4 to 1.7 meters) long.
  • Weight: 130 to 160 lbs (60 to 73 kg).
  • Characteristics: Medium-sized with a reddish-brown coat and white underbelly, and lyre-shaped horns in males.
  • Habitat: Savannas and light woodlands.

Greater Kudu (Tragelaphus strepsiceros)

  • Length: Males: 6.5 to 8 feet (2 to 2.5 meters) long.
  • Weight: 420 to 600 lbs (190 to 270 kg).
  • Characteristics: Large, with grey or brownish coat, white stripes, and spiral horns in males.
  • Habitat: Woodlands and bushlands.

Wildebeest (Connochaetes)

  • Length: 6 to 8 feet (1.8 to 2.4 meters) long.
  • Weight: 260 to 600 lbs (120 to 270 kg).
  • Characteristics: Large and muscular, with a long face, beard, and sharp horns.
  • Habitat: Grasslands and savannas.

Springbok (Antidorcas marsupialis)

  • Length: 4 to 5.3 feet (1.2 to 1.6 meters) long.
  • Weight: 75 to 100 lbs (34 to 45 kg).
  • Characteristics: Medium-sized, slender, with reddish-brown coat, white underparts, and black side stripe.
  • Habitat: Dry areas like savannas and scrublands.

Thomson’s Gazelle (Eudorcas thomsonii)

  • Length: 3.5 to 4.6 feet (1.0 to 1.4 meters) long.
  • Weight: 45 to 75 lbs (20 to 35 kg).
  • Characteristics: Small, slender, with light brown coat, white underbelly, and black side stripe.
  • Habitat: Savannas and grasslands.

Sable Antelope (Hippotragus niger)

  • Length: 6.5 to 8.2 feet (2 to 2.5 meters) long.
  • Weight: 400 to 500 lbs (180 to 230 kg).
  • Characteristics: Robust build, dark coat, white underparts, and long, curved horns.
  • Habitat: Savannas and woodlands.

Eland (Taurotragus oryx)

  • Length: 6.9 to 9.8 feet (2.1 to 3 meters) long.
  • Weight: 1,000 to 2,000 lbs (450 to 900 kg).
  • Characteristics: Largest antelope, with tan coat, spiraled horns, and a dewlap.
  • Habitat: Savannas, plains, and mountains.

Waterbuck (Kobus ellipsiprymnus)

  • Length: 6 to 8 feet (1.8 to 2.4 meters) long
  • Weight: 350 to 500 lbs (160 to 230 kg).
  • Characteristics: Large, with shaggy coat and a distinctive white ring on the rump.
  • Habitat: Near water sources in savannas and woodlands.

Bushbuck (Tragelaphus scriptus)

  • Length: 3.3 to 4.9 feet (1 to 1.5 meters) long.
  • Weight: 100 to 130 lbs (45 to 60 kg).
  • Characteristics: Small to medium-sized with reddish-brown coat, white spots, and stripes.
  • Habitat: Forests and dense bush areas.

Gemsbok (Oryx gazella)

  • Length: 6 to 7.5 feet (1.8 to 2.3 meters) long.
  • Weight: 400 to 530 lbs (180 to 240 kg).
  • Characteristics: Adapted to arid regions, with long, straight horns and a face mask.
  • Habitat: Deserts and dry savannas.

Roan Antelope (Hippotragus equinus)

  • Length: 7.2 to 8.5 feet (2.2 to 2.6 meters) long.
  • Weight: 530 to 970 lbs (240 to 440 kg).
  • Characteristics: Large antelope with a light grayish-brown coat, white underparts, and distinctive face markings. Both sexes have long, ringed horns.
  • Habitat: Savannas, grasslands, and light woodlands.

Topi (Damaliscus lunatus)

  • Length: 5 to 6.6 feet (1.5 to 2 meters) long.
  • Weight: 240 to 300 lbs (110 to 140 kg).
  • Characteristics: Medium-sized with a reddish-brown to purplish-red coat, dark face, and sharply ringed horns.
  • Habitat: Savannas and floodplains.

Gerenuk (Litocranius walleri)

  • Length: 5 to 6 feet (1.5 to 1.8 meters) long.
  • Weight: 70 to 100 lbs (32 to 45 kg).
  • Characteristics: Slender and long-necked with a small head, the gerenuk has a unique stance for feeding, standing on its hind legs to reach higher foliage.
  • Habitat: Dry bushlands and deserts.

Red Lechwe (Kobus leche)

  • Length: 5.6 to 6.6 feet (1.7 to 2 meters) long.
  • Weight: 150 to 260 lbs (70 to 120 kg).
  • Characteristics: Medium-sized, reddish-brown coat with white underparts, and long, curved horns in males.
  • Habitat: Flooded savannas and marshy areas.

Bongo (Tragelaphus eurycerus)

  • Length: 8 to 10 feet (2.4 to 3 meters) long.
  • Weight: 500 to 900 lbs (230 to 410 kg).
  • Characteristics: Large, forest-dwelling antelope with a striking reddish-brown coat, white-yellow stripes, and long, spiraled horns.
  • Habitat: Dense forest regions.

Nyala (Tragelaphus angasii)

  • Length: 5.6 to 6.9 feet (1.7 to 2.1 meters) long.
  • Weight: 120 to 280 lbs (55 to 130 kg).
  • Characteristics: Medium-sized with a shaggy, dark brown coat in males and a reddish-brown coat in females, both with white stripes and spots.
  • Habitat: Dense brush and woodlands.

Oribi (Ourebia ourebi)

  • Length: 3 to 3.9 feet (0.9 to 1.2 meters) long.
  • Weight: 26 to 44 lbs (12 to 20 kg).
  • Characteristics: Small, graceful antelope with a reddish-brown coat and white underparts. Only males have short, straight horns.
  • Habitat: Grasslands and open savannas.

Hartebeest (Alcelaphus buselaphus)

  • Length: 6.6 to 8.2 feet (2 to 2.5 meters) long.
  • Weight: 260 to 440 lbs (120 to 200 kg).
  • Characteristics: Large, with an elongated face, high shoulders, and short, curved horns.
  • Habitat: Grasslands and open savannas.

Klipspringer (Oreotragus oreotragus)

  • Length: 2.6 to 3.3 feet (0.8 to 1 meters) long.
  • Weight: 40 to 50 lbs (18 to 23 kg).
  • Characteristics: Small, sturdy antelope with a thick, speckled coat and adept climbing ability.
  • Habitat: Rocky outcrops and mountainous areas.

Dik-dik (Madoqua)

  • Length: 1.6 to 2.6 feet (0.5 to 0.8 meters) long.
  • Weight: 6.6 to 13.2 lbs (3 to 6 kg).
  • Characteristics: Tiny antelope with a pointed snout, large eyes, and only males have small horns.
  • Habitat: Dry savannas and scrublands.

Behavior and Lifestyle

Springbok antelope

African antelopes exhibit a range of behaviors from social gatherings to solitary living, with varied diets that reflect their adaptations to different environments. They have developed unique life cycles to ensure the longevity of their species in the wild.

Social Structures

Antelopes in Africa often organize themselves into herds for better protection against predators. While species like impalas form large mixed-sex groups, others may live in smaller, more segregated herds based on age and gender. Solitary living is also common, especially among males, who may control territories that they defend from rivals.

Reproduction and Lifespan

Most African antelope species have a specific mating season during which males often compete for the right to mate with females. After a gestation period, females typically give birth to one or two calves. Lifespan varies by species, but many antelopes can live up to 10-20 years, depending on environmental pressures and predation.

Diet and Foraging

As herbivores, antelopes primarily feed on a mixture of grasses and browse, with their grazing habits closely tied to the seasons, often undertaking migration to find better feeding grounds. These ruminants chew cud, allowing for more efficient digestion of tough plant materials. Their foraging behavior is essential for survival, influencing where they range and how they interact within their ecosystems.

Habitats and Distribution

Antelopes in Africa exhibit a vast range due to their adaptability to different environments. They inhabit various ecosystems across the continent, from dense forests to open savannas.

Geographical Range

African antelopes are widespread across the continent. They are predominantly found in East Africa, Central Africa, Southern Africa, and portions of North Africa. For instance, in South Africa, antelopes like the impala are commonly seen within game reserves and national parks, showcasing their adaptability to the region’s climate and geography.

Adaptations to Environment

Antelopes have developed unique adaptations to thrive in their respective habitats. Species residing in dense forests often have darker coats and are smaller in size, aiding in camouflage and maneuverability. Conversely, those in the open savannas are usually larger and faster, with a blend of colors that match the dry grasses, helping them evade predators. These adaptations extend to diet and behavior, allowing antelopes to utilize the resources available in their specific habitats across Africa.

Conservation and Threats

The conservation of antelopes in Africa involves understanding their status on the IUCN Red List and the various threats they face. Preservation efforts aim to address these challenges and protect these species for the future.

Endangered Species and IUCN Status

The IUCN Red List classifies several antelope species as at risk for extinction. Species labeled as “Critically Endangered” are in immediate danger, including the Addax (Addax nasomaculatus) and the Dama Gazelle (Nanger dama). These classifications are critical in guiding conservation efforts.

Threats and Preservation Efforts

Territorial losses and predation are significant threats to antelope species. Their habitats are often compromised due to human activities like agriculture and urban development. In addition to habitat loss, predators such as lions pose a natural threat. Preservation efforts include establishing protected areas and wildlife corridors to safeguard antelope habitats. Conservationists also monitor populations and work to combat poaching.


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