Hartebeest
The hartebeest belongs to the antelope genus, specifically the genus of hartebeests. This name is primarily derived from the animal's size, with a head-to-body length that can exceed 2 meters.
Appearance
Furthermore, the shoulder height of the antelope is a full 130 centimeters and the animal weighs up to 200 kilograms. Another feature that should be mentioned here is the long face, which is visually divided by black markings that extend from the eyes to the mouth. The coat color itself is light gray to reddish-brown in the hartebeest, depending on habitat and subspecies. Finally, the horns should be mentioned, which have a distinctive shape. These quite dangerous weapons for enemies grow from a contiguous stem, winding up to 70 centimeters in height.
Habitat
What is the main habitat of the hartebeest? Just a few hundred years ago, this antelope species was widespread in large parts of Africa. It was particularly common in the dry savannas in the south and east of the country. However, due to human hunting, the population of the hartebeest has declined sharply, so that it now only occurs in a few parts of its former habitat.
Lifestyle
These animals are primarily diurnal individuals that live together in a large herd. The young animals and females gather in groups that can comprise over 300 animals. In some cases, this number can be much higher, especially when African mammals join them. The males, on the other hand, are rather solitary and only meet with the females from the herds for mating. The male animals have firmly defined territories that they defend against intruders or rivals. The main diet of hartebeests consists mainly of grass, but herbs, leaves or shrubs are also not disdained if the menu has nothing else to offer.
