| Size |
|
| Weight |
|
| Conservation Status |
On the 2007 IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, the sable antelope is listed as Conservation Dependent. |
| Diet |
In the wild, sable antelopes are grazers, although they may browse in the dry season. In the Zoo, they eat herbivore pellets and timothy hay throughout the day. |
| Geographic Range |
The eastern part of southern Africa, from southeast Kenya to Angola, and eastern South Africa |
| Where to find me in the Zoo |
African Plains |
Note: Description below should include Longevity, Behavior, and Reproduction information
The name "sable" refers to the dark color of the male's coat. Males are about nine feet long with a shoulder height of four feet. The male weighs approximately 500 pounds and is 20 percent larger than the female. The male's coat is dark brown to black with striking white facial markings and under parts. The female and young males have rich russet coats with similar markings. Both males and females have stiff manes and stout, scythe-like ringed horns that grow to a length of 20-60 inches. Sable antelopes have large ears, large eyes and a keen sense of hearing, vision and smell.
The sable antelope inhabits open woodlands and moist grasslands.
In the wild, sable antelopes live as long as 16 years. In zoos, they can live to be 20 years of age.
Female sable antelopes reach sexual maturity at age two. There is a single breeding season from May to July, with peak mating in June. A single youngster is born after a gestation period lasting between 240-281 days. This occurs near the end of the rainy season. The calf will stay in hiding for the first few weeks of its life. The mother will split her time between nursing her calf and grazing with the herd. Weaning will take place after six months.
The sable antelope lives in herds of approximately 15-20 animals, consisting of females and their young, although larger herds are not uncommon. Males defend the territories that the female herds move through in search of food and water. Female offspring tend to stay in the herd, while males are usually driven out between three and four years of age. These males may join "bachelor herds" of other males for some time before trying to establish a territory of their own.
Both males and females are savage fighters that use their horns to defend their territory or when cornered or wounded. Sable antelopes can run at speeds up to 35 miles per hour. Despite the fact that they are swift of foot and formidable fighters, sable antelopes still fall prey to African wild dogs, lions, hyenas, leopards, crocodiles and humans.
Sable antelopes have long, strong, pointed horns that are used for defense and intraspecies competition. Their eyes are large and set on the sides of their heads which provides sharp peripheral vision. They also have large ears with a keen sense of hearing and an excellent sense of smell
Libby: Female, born at the Zoo on July 3, 1990.
Enrichment
Adoption Information
Featured Foster Parent
The IUCN Red List categorizes sable antelopes as lower risk. Factors contributing to the animal's decline include habitat loss and degradation from agriculture and livestock. Additional human threats, such as settlement building, war and civil unrest, have impacted sable antelope populations in a negative manner. Sable antelopes are also threatened by the continuing trade in bushmeat. Without continued habitat preservation and protection from poaching, the sable antelope could easily slip closer to the endangered status.
Zoo Research
Fun Facts
The sable antelope's name stems from medieval times and the art of heraldry. In heraldic terms, the color black is called sable.
Sable antelopes live in herds consisting of females and their young. While female offspring tend to stay in the herd, males are usually driven out at 3-4 years of age to join "bachelor herds."
Both male and female sable antelopes have sweeping horns arching over their heads, and both can be savage fighters when necessary.
Conservation
Introductions
Animal Lingo
Want More?