Pronghorn, an antelope-like animal, exists in Texas. Although commonly referred to as the “American antelope,” the Pronghorn is not a true antelope species. This unique mammal holds its own distinct classification.
The Texas Pronghorn
The North American Pronghorn (Antilocapra americana) is the sole surviving member of the Antilocapridae family, unique to North America. Its “antelope” common name stems from its resemblance to Old World antelopes and similar ecological role. It has a barrel-shaped body, typically standing 86 to 87.5 centimeters tall at the shoulder and weighing 40 to 70 kilograms. Its coat is tan to reddish-brown, contrasted by prominent white patches on its cheeks, chest, belly, rump, and inner legs. Males often display a black patch at the corner of the jaw.
Pronghorn horns are a distinguishing feature, branched and shed annually by both sexes, unlike the permanent horns of true antelope. Males possess larger, more developed horns, while female horns are typically shorter and less branched. The Pronghorn is recognized as the fastest land mammal in North America, capable of reaching speeds up to 88.5 kilometers per hour (55 mph) and sustaining speeds of 50 to 70 kilometers per hour over long distances. This speed, combined with large eyes providing a wide field of vision (detecting movement up to 6 kilometers away), is an adaptation for open environments where concealment from predators is limited.
As herbivores, Pronghorns graze on a varied diet including shrubs, grasses, and forbs, wildflowers and plants toxic to other animals. They exhibit a curious nature, often investigating unfamiliar objects. They tend to crawl under fences rather than jump over them, posing challenges in fragmented landscapes. In the wild, Pronghorns typically live less than 10 years, though some individuals may reach 12 to 14 years.
Where They Roam in Texas
Pronghorns are currently found in isolated areas of Texas, primarily inhabiting the open grasslands of the Trans-Pecos region and the high plains of the Panhandle. Smaller populations also exist in parts of the western Edwards Plateau and southern Rolling Plains, allowing them to utilize their exceptional eyesight and speed for predator evasion.
Historically, Pronghorn’s range in Texas was more expansive, covering the western two-thirds of the state. Their distribution extended as far east as Robertson County in northern Texas and Kenedy County in the southern part of the state. Over time, habitat changes and human activities led to a significant contraction of their range, confining them to current, more restricted areas.
Conservation and Outlook
Pronghorn populations in Texas face challenges including habitat fragmentation, restrictive fencing, drought, disease, and predation. Drought conditions, for instance, severely impacted Trans-Pecos populations, causing significant declines. Overgrazing by livestock and the conversion of native grasslands to agriculture also contributed to historical reduction.
To address declines, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) partners with organizations like the Borderlands Research Institute and the Trans-Pecos Pronghorn Working Group, and private landowners. Conservation efforts include habitat restoration, strategic translocation programs, and modifying fences for better movement across the landscape. These initiatives aim to bolster existing populations and ensure the long-term presence of this species in Texas.