The term “antelope” describes a diverse array of hoofed mammals in the Bovidae family, which also includes goats and cattle. Primarily inhabiting Africa and parts of Eurasia, these animals showcase a range in size and form. While many species are slender and swift, some reach proportions that rival those of large cattle. The largest antelope represent significant herbivores on their continents, highlighting the adaptability of these ruminant mammals.
Defining a Large Antelope
An antelope is classified as “large” based on weight and shoulder height. Species in this informal group weigh over 200 kilograms (440 pounds) and stand taller than 120 centimeters (47 inches) at the shoulder. This physical size influences their behavior, diet, and interactions with predators.
Notable Large Antelope Species
- The Common Eland (Taurotragus oryx) is the world’s largest antelope, with mature males sometimes exceeding 900 kg (nearly 2,000 lbs) and standing up to 180 cm (71 inches) at the shoulder. These animals have a fawn or tawny-colored coat with thin, vertical white stripes. Despite their bulk, they are agile and inhabit the savannas of eastern and southern Africa.
- The Greater Kudu (Tragelaphus strepsiceros) is a large antelope, renowned for the male’s spiral horns that can grow over a meter long. They stand up to 152 cm (5 feet) tall, weigh up to 315 kg (694 lbs), and have a reddish-brown or blue-gray coat with 6 to 10 thin white stripes for camouflage.
- Known for its striking appearance, the Sable Antelope (Hippotragus niger) is a powerfully built animal. Males possess a glossy black coat, a distinct white underbelly and facial markings, and long, scythe-like horns that curve backward. They can weigh up to 250 kg (550 lbs) and stand around 140 cm (55 inches) tall.
- The Roan Antelope (Hippotragus equinus) is one of Africa’s largest species, similar in build to the Sable but with a lighter, reddish-brown coat and distinctive black-and-white facial markings that resemble a mask. Males can weigh up to 320 kg (705 lbs) and have shorter, backward-curving horns. They are found in woodland and grassland savannas across West, Central, and Southern Africa.
Distinguishing Large Antelope from Other Ruminants
Antelope are often confused with deer, as both are hoofed ruminants of similar size and habitat. The most definitive distinguishing feature lies in their headgear. Antelope possess true horns, which consist of a bony core that is a permanent part of the skull, covered by a sheath of keratin. These horns are unbranched and are never shed.
In contrast, deer have antlers, which are made entirely of bone and are grown and shed annually. Deer antlers are typically branched, and their cycle of growth and shedding is tied to the animal’s reproductive season. Furthermore, the geographic distribution of these animals differs significantly. Antelope are native almost exclusively to Africa and Eurasia, while deer species are found across the globe, including the Americas.