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Specie Name
: RED HARTEBEEST
Scientific
Name : Alcelaphus buselaphus
Description
:
Deep reddish-brown colour with black on
the shoulders and legs, but paler behind the rump.
Hump above shoulders and the shoulders are higher than the hindquarters.
The long, narrow face with black blazes on the nose and forehead gives it a
dumb, comical appearance.
Sexes are difficult to distinguish and the shape of the horns should be
noted.
Solitary animals are usually males and older males are often darker.
Horns:
Both sexes have ridged horns that, seen
from the side, have the shape of a Z with the tips pointing backwards.
The horns grow on top of an elevation of the forehead that makes the face
seem even longer.
Males have thicker horns and the upper parts grow almost horizontally
rearwards, while the horn tips of
females point more upwards.
Mass:
Males up to 180 kg, females less.
Habitat :
Savannah
and open woodland.
Behavior :
Herds of up to 20.
Breeding herds with leading territorial bull, as well as bachelor herds or
solitary territorial bull.
Feed on grass (leaves too if necessary) and drink regularly where water is
available.
Graze in the open, but rest under trees during the hottest hours.
One usually acts as look-out while the herd grazes, often from an anthill or
other vantage point.
Calf usually born in Aug/Sep after 8 months' gestation, remains concealed.
Hunt Method
:
This clown-face is best found in its afternoonresting place, but is difficult to approach over open terrain.
Despite their ability to run fast and far, curiosity gets the better of them
and while fleeing they may stop
to look back.
In poor light they seem less inclined to run away.
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