The majestic animal commonly called the antelope does exist in Kansas, traversing the wide-open plains of the western part of the state. These swift-footed creatures are a notable presence within the prairie landscape, a testament to successful conservation efforts. While often referred to as “antelope,” the animal inhabiting Kansas is actually the pronghorn, a unique species important for understanding North American ecology.
Pronghorn: The Technical Name
The animal frequently mistaken for its Old World counterpart is the pronghorn, scientifically known as Antilocapra americana. This mammal is entirely unique to North America and is the sole surviving member of its own family, Antilocapridae. True antelopes belong to the family Bovidae and are native to Africa and Asia. The pronghorn simply resembles Old World antelopes, leading to the common nickname of “American antelope.”
The pronghorn is distinguished by its unique horns, which are forked or “pronged” and possess a bony core covered by a sheath. Unlike the permanent horns of true antelope, the pronghorn is the only animal in the world that sheds its horn sheath annually. This detail highlights its distinct evolutionary path.
Decline and Resurgence in Kansas
Pronghorn were historically abundant across the western three-fourths of Kansas, with numbers comparable to bison before European settlement. However, unregulated hunting and the conversion of native prairie to farmland severely reduced the population by the early 1900s. The species was nearly extirpated from the state, with only small herds persisting along the western border.
A significant effort to restore the population began in 1964 with a trap-and-transplant program, starting in Wallace and Sherman counties. These initial reintroductions proved successful in establishing a foundation for recovery in the western region. The species’ return is a notable achievement in Kansas wildlife management, bringing back one of the Great Plains’ most characteristic mammals.
Current Habitat and Distribution
The pronghorn population in Kansas is primarily concentrated in the High Plains of the western part of the state. Biologists estimate there are roughly 2,000 pronghorn, mostly restricted to the westernmost two to three tiers of counties. This region provides the expansive, open prairie the species requires, allowing them to use their exceptional speed and eyesight to avoid predators.
Their diet is varied, consisting mainly of forbs during the warmer months. They are adaptable feeders, consuming dicots, including winter wheat from cultivated fields, when native foods are scarce. This adaptability allows them to thrive in an environment where up to 30% of the land is used for crops, though they remain dependent on the open landscape.
State Management and Conservation
The Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) manages the pronghorn population to maintain stable numbers. Population control is achieved through a regulated hunting system that limits the number of animals harvested each year. For firearms and muzzleloader hunting, the state is divided into three management units, and permits are allocated through a limited draw system.
Archery permits for residents and non-residents can be purchased over-the-counter. The KDWP monitors the herd’s health and density, adjusting the number of permits available each year to ensure the population remains balanced with the available habitat. For the public, the best viewing opportunities are in the open plains of the far western counties, often near the Colorado border.