Roan Antelope
Hippotragus equinus cottoni & Hippotragus equinus
Scientific Name
Roan Antelope:
Hippotragus equinus cottoni & Hippotragus equinus
Distribution and Habitat
Geographic Range
Roan Antelopes range from the southern Sahara to Botswana.
Natural Habitat
Roan Antelopes are found in lightly wooded savannas with medium to tall grasses and they must have access to water.
Physical Characteristics
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Roan Antelopes’ fur is grayish-brown with a hint of red. They have black and white facial markings, very long pointed ears that are tufted at the tip and long horns that are strongly curved backwards. The female is similar to the male, but with smaller, less heavily ridged horns. Roan antelopes have a mane consisting of short stiff hair that is black at the tip. The tail also has black hair on the tip. Males can weigh up to 600 pounds, females up to 500 pounds. Roan Antelopes may live to 17 years in the wild.
Quick Facts
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Roan Antelopes are defense animals. When threatened by predators, they have been known to kill lions with their scimitar-horns.
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Three basic sounds have been recorded: a high-pitched squeal signifying anger, an equine snort for alarm, and a low hissing sound when wounded.
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Roans can live up to 17 years in the wild!
Conservation Status
Least Concern: The Roan Antelope is common or abundant and is likely to survive in the wild.
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Diet
Herbivore
Roan Antelopes are grazers that prefer leaves over stems. They graze on grasses, herbs, leaves of small bushes and desert succulents.
