African Common Sable Antelope

Common Sable Antelope

(Hippotragus niger niger)

Current all time records
SCI: Score 121 3/8 - Zambia, Mulobezi - 7/92
Rowland Ward: Score 55 3/8 - Sichifula, Zambia - 1972

Description: In heraldry, 'sable' means black, a reference to the dark coloration of mature males. Sexual dimorphism is present in this antelope, although the extent varies depending on location and subspecies. Coloration is the most obvious difference, with females and young being bright chestnut to dark brown and mature males being chestnut to jet black. The white belly contrasts greatly with the back and sides. The face is white with a black facial mask consisting of a wide black stripe on the bridge of the nose, and stripes running from the eyes to the nose. The thick neck is enhanced by a mane of stiff hair. The semicircular, ridged horns are found in both sexes, although they are smaller in females. In males they grow 80-165 cm / 2.6-5.5 feet long, while those in females grow 60-100 cm / 2-3.3 feet in length.

Other Common Names: Typical Sable Antelope

Size:

Range: From southeast Angola east to Tanzania and south to northern South Africa; primarily April - October.

Natural History: Sable Antelope are most active during the early morning and late afternoon. Where not persecuted, they are not excessively wary, often running a short distance when startled, then stopping and looking back. However, when closely pursued, they can run as fast as 57 kmph / 35 mph for considerable distances. When wounded or cornered, Sable Antelope viciously defend themselves with their saber-like horns. The "critical distance" - the point at which an animal defends itself instead of fleeing - for Sable Antelope seems to be smaller than for comparable species. Old bulls are believed to be territorial. When fighting, males drop to their 'knees' and engage in horn wrestling. Fatalities from these combats are known, but are rare. Maternal herds are led by a dominant male, who defends an area of 300-500 meters extending outward from the herd. Recorded population densities vary between 0.4 and 9.2 per square kilometer, although the maximum sustainable density is believed to be less than 4 animals per square kilometers.

Hunting Characteristics: