African Lichtenstein Hartebeest

Lichtenstein Hartebeest

(Alcelaphus lichtensteini )

Current all time records
SCI: Score 76 - Tanzania, Ugalla River - 8/96
Rowland Ward: Score 24 3/8 - Mumbwa, Zambia - 1969

Description: The overall colour is a sandy yellow, with no appreciable lightening on the undersides. On the back is a faint reddish 'saddle' which is fairly indistinct with the exception of where it meets the white rump in a crisp horizontal line. The brush-like tuft of hair at the base of the tail is black, as are the fronts of the lower forelegs. The shoulders are humped, and the body slopes downward towards the rear. As in all hartebeests, the head is extremely elongated and slender. The tip of the muzzle is dar brown or black in colour, and lighter 'eyebrows' make an indistinct chevron in the middle of the forehead. The broad and short forehead pedicel bears horns in both sexes. Growing up and slightly out before turning towards each other, the tips of the horns turn sharply towards the rear, such that the horns form an open-ended "O" from the front. Slightly ridged, the horns grow 40-60 cm / 16-24 inches long in both sexes.

Other Common Names: Jackson's Hartebeest

Size:

Range: Angola, Malawi, Mozambique, Tanzania, Zaire, Zambia; April - December.

Natural History: Like many antelope, Lichtenstein's hartebeest forages primarily in the early morning and late afternoon and evening, seeking refuge from the daytime heat by resting in shade. A herd is generally led by an adult male, who often takes up watch on a termite mound, or other patch of elevated ground, and who will bring up the rear of the herd when in flight. This male defends a territory of about 2.5 square kilometers year-round, which is marked by 'horning' the ground. This horning behaviour is exhibit in both sexes, after which the animal may rub its horns on its sides, leaving dark patches of dirt just behind the shoulders. During the rut, a male with a territory will try to 'collect' as many females as possible (whether from his herd or not). At this time, fights between rival males are common, and can last for extended periods of time. The sense of sight is well developed, and is this antelopes main defense in the open territory which it frequents. The sense of smell is not especially keen. The primary vocalizations are a bellow and an odd sneeze-like snort.

Hunting Characteristics: