Hirola

Hunter antelope ( Beatragus hunteri )

The Hunter antelope ( Beatragus hunteri, sometimes Damaliscus hunteri ) is one of the rarer antelope in East Africa. It belongs to the group of hartebeest. Was it formerly considered subspecies of Topi, it is classified today as a separate species mostly due to the other ear delivery. With the name of the zoologist Philip Sclater Lutley honored the English big-game hunter Charles Henry Vicars Hunter ( 1861-1934 ).

The IUCN classifies the Hunter Antelope as Endangered ( critically endangered ). Competition for food with domestic cattle is a major reason for the population decline.

Appearance

With a shoulder height of 100 cm, it corresponds to the appearance of other hartebeest, however, is built more tender. It reaches a weight of up to 73 kilograms. The horns are up to 70 centimeters long. The coat is yellow-brown, between the eyes, she wears a white stripe, the tail is partly white. The Horned differs from the other hartebeest, because it lacks the typical broad helmet. Rather, can the antlers with the Impala compare.

Circulation area and way of life

The Antelope Hunter comes only in a very small distribution area near the coast on the border between Kenya and Somalia. Here missing other hartebeest, which are obvious competitors for food with this type.

The Hunter antelope lives in herds of up to 25 animals. They preferably with bushes interspersed open steppes. The circulation area covers a few square kilometers large area on the border between Kenya and Somalia.

Endangering

The IUCN classifies the Hunter Antelope as Endangered ( critically endangered ). Even in the 1970s, the stock was estimated at 15,000 animals, but has recently fallen dramatically to 400 ( IUCN estimate 1996). Drought, poaching and the displacement by livestock are the causes for the decline.

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Other names for this animal are Hirola, a local name, and four eyes antelope, because of the dark Voraugendrüsen that appear like a second pair of eyes.