THEHIROLA

ANTELOPE

AND LUCAS GLENNBY ISHAN RAMAWICKRAMA

They are also known as the four eyed antelope because of the glands under their eyes

The Hirola Antelope have golden-brown hair, long legs and a long face. The white strip across its forehead makes it look like it is wearing glasses.

The horns are curved and flare at the tips and can grow as long as 70cm.

They stand approx. 100 to 125 cm at their shoulder – which is approx. the same height as a 9 year old at their shoulder (40 to 49 inches)

Appearance / Characteristics

They are diurnal which means they are active during the day (not night). As a herd they graze in the mornings and early evenings.

A herd can consist of one main male and two to sometimes 40 females. Sometimes there are herds of just males.

The Hirola Antelope live across a small range in parts of Kenya and Somalia, in Africa.

Natural Habitat / Environment

Fact:

When our parents were young there were approx. 14,000 Hirola

antelopes dotted all over Kenya and Somalia

The area they live in is an arid desert which has scrubs and grasslands.

Cause of Extinction

• Rough estimates put their numbers at only between 500 to 1200.

• In 2007 the Hirlola Antelope was listed as one of the top 10 species to protect.

• There are currently no Hirola Antelopes in captivity and a recent survey taken by aircraft – confirmed sightings of only 254 in the wild.

• The major threat against the Hirola is poaching by humans and loss of habitat.

• They also have to put up with droughts and cattle grazing to survive.

The Hirola Antelope is criticallycritically endangered.

The Hirola’s predators are humans (poachers), lions, cheetahs and African wild dogs.

Predators

Poachers kill the Hirola Antelope for its

black spiral horns.

Right after giving birth, the mother and newborn are very vulnerable to predators.

The Hirola’s favourite food is newly sprouted grass just poking The Hirola’s favourite food is newly sprouted grass just poking out of the ground.out of the ground.

FOOD

It competes with livestock for grazing grasses.It competes with livestock for grazing grasses.

The Hirola is The Hirola is crepuscularcrepuscular – which means it is able to go without – which means it is able to go without water which is helpful during Africa’s droughts.water which is helpful during Africa’s droughts.

What can we do to help the Hirola Antelope?

1.Reduce exposure to livestock which carry diseases which kill the Hirola Antelope

2. There should be more attention spent on monitoring them and their activities

3. Promote income generating eco-tourism for this special species, such as people paying to go on safaris to see them in their natural habitat. The money would then go to support conservation of the Hirola

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