roan antelope

(Hippotragus equinus)

Found in wooded areas and savannah across Central and Southern Africa, this antelope has a horse like build with long elf-like ears tipped with tassels of black hair. Their name comes from their colouring, as their backs are a lovely reddish brown – otherwise known as roan.  They are mostly grazing animals, but when grass becomes scarce, they revert readily to browsing.

Gestation period:

268 – 280 days

Threats to species:

Roan antelope have declined dramatically as a result of habitat deterioration, poaching, agricultural encroachment, and have been culled out in tsetse fly control efforts.