Spoor DescriptionThe Sable Antelope's spoor is very much similar to the Roan Antelope, although the Sable’s is much smaller and narrower. The Sable antelope can also be found in other conservation areas where populations have been newly introduced or re-introduced. Where They Are FoundThe Sable antelope is a rare and endangered species, and their distributional stronghold can be found in the Kruger National Park in South Africa. These areas are chosen for the abundance of medium height grass. Sable Antelope HabitatThe Sable antelope inhabit open savannah woodlands or moist vlei areas found within South Africa. The older territorial males will evict the younger bulls from the breeding groups once they are three years old and sexually mature. During the breeding season, cows will separate from the larger herds that consist of young and non-breeding individuals.ĭuring the late winters of South Africa, the large herds can be seen gathering around burnt or moist vlei areas. Sable Antelope BehaviourThe Sable antelope is gregarious with a variety of herd sizes that can be found across the plains of South Africa. In South Africa, the calves are usually weaned at eight months and start showing an interest in grass from a young age. The new-born calves are hidden in the tall grasses for a period of two weeks, where their mothers will suckle and groom them. The gestation period for the Sable antelope is 270 days, after which a single a calf is born.Ĭalves weigh in at 17 kg at birth. Sable Antelope BreedingThe Sable antelope females become sexually mature at three years of age, and will birth their first calf around this time too. They are also known to chew the bones of carcasses to fight off phosphorous deficiencies. The sable antelope enjoy feeding off climax vegetation, which they crop high above the ground. They also like to graze on sedge around watering holes. They prefer to feed on spear grass, red grass and various species of Brachiaria, Urochloa and Panicum. Sable Antelope DietThe Sable antelope is a herbivore and feeds mainly on grasses grown in their habitats within South Africa. The habitat for the sable antelope is usually woodlands and grasslands where they feed on the middle sized grasses and bushes. The scientific name for the sable antelope is Hippotragus niger. The back of the ears is a brick red colour. The national animal of Zimbabwe is the sable antelope. The shoulder height of bulls is 1.4 m and weigh up to 270 kg. The young start growing out their horns at two months old. Males grow horns of up to 1.2 m in length, while the female’s horns are shorter and slimmer. The horns tips are smooth, sharp and pointed. Both male and females have dorsal manes along the neck and long scimitar horns that curve backwards. Females and young Sable antelope are dark brown in colours. The Sable antelope of South Africa is known for its glossy black coat, white underbelly and striking facial markings. © Nigel Dennis NameSable Antelope Appearance
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