Hartebeest, noun:
A large African antelope species belonging to the Alcelaphus genus, characterized by its long face, sloping back, and long, slender horns. Hartebeests typically inhabit grasslands, savannas, and woodland areas across sub-Saharan Africa. They are known for their exceptional adaptability and endurance, allowing them to thrive in various habitats.
The hartebeest measures around 1.3 to 1.5 meters at the shoulder and can weigh between 120 to 300 kilograms. Their coat coloration ranges from reddish-brown to a sandy color, with lighter undersides. The distinctive feature of a hartebeest is its elongated face, which includes a protruding nose and high-set eyes. The horns of the males are usually larger and heavier, growing up to 70 centimeters long, while females possess shorter and more slender horns.
These herbivores primarily feed on grass and leaves, and their characteristic high-set eyes provide them an excellent panoramic view to detect predators. Despite their relatively slow gait, hartebeests possess remarkable speed and agility when they sense danger. They are known for their characteristic "hartebeest shuffle," a galloping run which involves powerful leaps with all four feet off the ground.
Hartebeests are highly social animals and live in herds that may consist of dozens to hundreds of individuals, led by a dominant male. They communicate through a combination of sounds, including grunts, snorts, and alarm calls. Breeding usually occurs during specific periods, leading to the birth of a single calf after a gestation period of around eight to nine months.
Due to habitat loss, poaching, and hunting, some hartebeest subspecies have faced population declines
