The term antelope is a common name used for a diverse collection of hoofed mammals within the family Bovidae, not a single scientific grouping. This broad classification includes species that are often more closely related to goats, sheep, or cattle than they are to other antelopes. Consequently, the weight of an antelope is extremely variable, spanning a colossal range from animals smaller than a house cat to those the size of a large cow. To accurately address the question of antelope weight, it is necessary to examine this spectrum, starting with the absolute extremes and moving toward the common species.
The Smallest and Largest Antelope Species
The absolute lower limit of antelope weight is held by the Royal Antelope (Neotragus pygmaeus), a West African species that is the smallest known bovid in the world. This diminutive creature typically weighs between 2.5 and 3 kilograms (5.5 to 6.6 pounds), making it comparable in mass to a large rabbit. This tiny size allows it to navigate the dense forest undergrowth where it lives.
On the opposite end of the scale is the Giant Eland (Taurotragus derbianus), which is the world’s largest antelope species. A mature male can weigh an immense 400 to 1,200 kilograms (880 to 2,650 pounds), placing it among the heaviest land animals in Africa. Even the females are massive, typically weighing between 300 and 600 kilograms (660 to 1,320 pounds).
Weight Ranges of Common Antelope Groups
The majority of antelope species fall into size categories between these two extremes, with weight ranges often corresponding to their habitat and lifestyle. The Impala (Aepyceros melampus) is a medium-sized, highly common species whose weight illustrates a typical savannah antelope build. Males generally weigh between 53 and 76 kilograms (117 to 168 pounds), while females are slightly lighter, ranging from 40 to 53 kilograms (88 to 117 pounds).
The Springbok (Antidorcas marsupialis), a gazelle-like species, is considerably smaller and more slender, designed for speed across open plains. Both males and females share a similar weight range, typically falling between 27 and 42 kilograms (60 and 93 pounds). Their lighter build is an adaptation that aids in their characteristic high-speed leaps used to evade predators.
Moving into the large grazer category, the Black Wildebeest (Connochaetes gnou) possesses a robust, powerful build. This species has an average adult weight between 110 and 180 kilograms (240 and 400 pounds). This size is necessary for their migratory, herding lifestyle, where endurance and group defense are crucial for survival.
The Greater Kudu (Tragelaphus strepsiceros) represents one of the largest woodland antelope species, with a significant disparity between the sexes. Male kudus are imposing, weighing between 190 and 270 kilograms (420 and 600 pounds) and sometimes reaching a maximum of 315 kilograms (694 pounds). Female kudus are substantially smaller, with their weight ranging from 120 to 210 kilograms (260 to 460 pounds).
Biological Factors Affecting Individual Weight
Even within a single antelope species, the weight of an individual can vary significantly due to several biological factors. The most prominent source of variation is sexual dimorphism, where one sex is consistently larger or heavier than the other. In most large-bodied antelope, such as the Kudu or Eland, the males are substantially heavier than the females, a trait often linked to male-male competition for mates.
Conversely, in some of the smaller species, such as the Royal Antelope and the Dwarf Antelope, the females are sometimes slightly larger than the males. Age is another factor, as an antelope’s body mass generally increases from its juvenile phase to its physical maturity, which can take several years depending on the species. After reaching maturity, weight can fluctuate based on the animal’s reproductive cycle and overall physical condition.
Environmental conditions also influence an individual’s weight, with diet quality being a major determinant. During the wet season, when food is abundant and nutritious, antelopes typically gain weight, building up reserves. During the dry season, a scarcity of quality forage can lead to significant weight loss as the animal relies on those stored reserves. Habitat density is also linked to the evolution of body size dimorphism.
Size Context Beyond Weight
While weight provides a measure of mass, other physical dimensions offer a complete picture of an antelope’s overall size. Shoulder height, measured from the ground to the highest point of the scapula, is a standard metric used to compare antelopes. The largest species, the Giant Eland, stands impressively tall, reaching up to 181 centimeters (5.94 feet) at the shoulder.
In stark contrast, the Royal Antelope stands at a mere 25 centimeters (10 inches) at the shoulder. Body length is also a useful measure, with the massive Giant Eland spanning between 220 and 290 centimeters (7.2 to 9.5 feet) from head to rump.
Horn size further contributes to the perception of mass, especially in males where horns are used for combat and display. The spiraled horns of the male Giant Eland can reach up to 124 centimeters (4.07 feet) in length. This length is often related to the overall body size and dominance of the individual.