The giant sable antelope or royal sable antelope (Hippotragus niger variani), is a subspecies of Sable Antelope. The sable antelope is a large thick-necked antelope of the genus Hippotragus (Horse-Goat) and is closely related to the Roan Antelope and Bluebuck. It displays prominent sexual dimorphism, with males being heavier and taller than females. Male sable antelope have a dark brown or black coat, which gets darker as the individual gets older. Females tend to be lighter in coloration, but both feature a white chin and underbelly. Both sexes have large, backwards-arching horns which can reach up to 165cm (65in) in males and are slightly smaller in females, which they use to defend themselves from predators. The giant sable antelope is the largest of four subspecies, weighing up to 238kg (525lbs) and having notably larger horns and darker coloration than other subspecies.
The giant sable antelope lives in savannah woodlands and live in large herds of up to 30 females, their calves and a single adult male. Active during the daytime, they are herbivores, feeding on grasses and leaves, but may also chew on bones to obtain minerals. The giant sable antelope lives exclusively in Angola, separated from all other subspecies, and is revered by the native people. Although a national symbol in the country, the giant sable antelope is considered Critically Endangered.
Comments
Post a Comment