red hartebeest
Quick Summary
The red hartebeest (Alcelaphus buselaphus caama) is a subspecies of hartebeest, a large African antelope known for its elongated head and bracket-shaped horns. This particular subspecies, found in southwest Africa, is the most colorful, featuring a white belly and rump contrasted with extensive black markings.1
Hartebeest are social animals that inhabit open plains and scrublands across sub-Saharan Africa. They are selective grazers, with a long muzzle that allows them to feed on nutritious leaves and shoots, giving them an advantage during dry seasons. Adult males are territorial, while females and young typically form small herds. The red hartebeest breeds annually, with females calving at the end of the dry season after an eight-month gestation period.1
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