Where does the hartebeest live?
The hartebeest is an African antelope, the only member of the genus Alcelaphus. Eight subspecies have been described, including two sometimes considered to be independent species. Coat colour varies by subspecies, from the sandy brown of the western hartebeest to the chocolate brown of Swayne's hartebeest. It is recognisable by its particularly elongated forehead, oddly-shaped horns, short neck and pointed ears.
What does the hartebeest eat?
The hartebeest is primarily a grazer, with a diet consisting mainly of grasses. It is a large antelope, standing just over 1 m at the shoulder, 2 to 2.5 m long, and weighing 100 to 200 kg. Its legs, which often have black markings, are unusually long. A conspicuous hump over the shoulders is due to the long dorsal processes of the vertebrae in this region.
Is the hartebeest endangered?
No: the IUCN lists it as Least Concern. Both sexes of all subspecies have horns, those of females being slenderer. Horns can reach lengths of 45 to 70 cm. The coat is generally short and shiny.
