The term "bastard hartebeest" is a combination of two words that are spelled as they sound. "Bastard" is pronounced /ˈbæstərd/ and refers to a person of illegitimate birth. "Hartebeest" is pronounced /hɑːrtəbiːst/ and refers to a large African antelope. The spelling of this term reflects the phonetic sounds associated with each word. While the term may seem harsh, it accurately describes a specific type of animal found in Africa.
The term "bastard hartebeest" refers to a specific species of large African antelope, scientifically known as Alcelaphus lichtensteinii. It is commonly known as the "bastard hartebeest" due to its resemblance to the true hartebeest species, although it is not a direct member of the hartebeest genus.
The bastard hartebeest is primarily found in Eastern and Southern Africa, most notably in Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania, and Zambia. It inhabits various types of grasslands, savannas, and open woodlands. Physically, it has a tall and robust body structure, with a relatively large head and elongated face. Its coat coloration varies, but it is typically reddish-brown or grayish-brown, with a lighter underbelly.
The bastard hartebeest is a gregarious species, forming herds composed of females, young offspring, and a dominant male. It is primarily herbivorous, feeding on grasses, leaves, and occasionally, fruits. It has notably strong and elongated horns, which curve upward and then sharply back. These horns are used primarily for defense against predators and during intra-species competition for dominance.
Due to habitat loss and hunting, the bastard hartebeest population has declined over the years, leading to its classification as a "vulnerable" species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Various conservation efforts are underway to protect their natural habitats and implement sustainable hunting practices, ensuring the preservation of this unique African antelope species for future generations.
The word "bastard hartebeest" has a straightforward etymology.
"Bastard" comes from the Old French word "bastard", which originally referred to a person of illegitimate birth. Over time, it came to be used more generally to describe anything that is considered abnormal or lower quality than the original or genuine version.
"Hartebeest" is derived from the Afrikaans word "hertebees", which means "deer beast". The Afrikaans term itself was formed by combining "herte" (deer) with "bees" (beast).
When these two terms are combined, "bastard hartebeest" refers to a particular species of antelope found in Africa, known for its large size and unique horns.