Hartebeest
From Encyclopedia Jr, free information reference for Kids
Conservation status: Conservation dependent (LR/cd) |
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| Alcelaphus buselaphus |
The Hartebeest (Alcelaphus buselaphus) is a grassland antelope found in West Africa, East Africa and Southern Africa. It is the only animal classified in the genus Alcelaphus.
The Hartebeest stands almost 1.5 m (5 ft) at the shoulder and weighs anywhere from 120-200 kg (265-440 lb). They can reach a length of 70 cm (27 in). Male Hartebeest are a dark brown colour while females are yellow brown. The word hartebeest comes from
Hartebeest live in grassland and open forest where they eat grass. They are diurnal and spend the morning and late afternoon eating. Herds contain five to twenty individuals but can occasionally contain up to three hundred and fifty.
Seven subspecies have been described.
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- Bubal Hartebeest, Alcelaphus buselaphus buselaphus (Extinct)
- Red (Cape) Hartebeest, Alcelaphus buselaphus caama
- Coke's Hartebeest, Alcelaphus buselaphus cokii
- Lelwel Hartebeest, Alcelaphus buselaphus lelwel
- Western Hartebeest, Alcelaphus buselaphus major
- Swayne's Hartebeest, Alcelaphus buselaphus swaynei
- Tora Hartebeest, Alcelaphus buselaphus tora
Two subspecies cross breeds are recognised by some sectors the commercial hunting fraternity.
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- Kenya Highland Hartebeest, Alcelaphus buselaphus lelwel x cokii
- Neumann Hartebeest, Alcelaphus buselaphus lelwel x swaynei. (Ethiopia)
Lichtenstein's Hartebeest, Sigmoceros lichtensteinii is classified by some in the Alcelaphus genus as Alcelaphus lichtensteinii.
Two other species less commonly known as 'Hartebeest' are classed in the Damaliscus genus.
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- Korrigum (Senegal Hartebeest), Damaliscus lunatus korrigum
- Tiang (Tiang Hartebeest), Damaliscus lunatus tiang
[edit] References
- Antelope Specialist Group (1996). Alcelaphus buselaphus. 2006
- Search Alcelaphus on