What Are They Like?

The Hirola, also known as Hunter's antelope, is one of the most threatened antelopes in Africa. The Hirola stands 40 - 50 inches (100 -125 centimeters) tall at the shoulder and weighs between 165 - 350 pounds (75 - 160 kilograms). The Hirola's coat is a sandy brown color, and gets lighter on the underbelly. Both adult males and females have well-developed horns that can grow to more than 28 inches (70 centimeters) in length.

Where Do They Live? Hirola inhabit the arid grassy plains along the southeastern border of Kenya and Somalia.
	Did You Know? Hirolas have the ability to store high amounts of body fat, which aids them during droughts.

How Are Babies Made?

Hirolas have a harem-like system of mating, in which one dominant male resides over a group of females. Mothers usually give birth to a single calf.

What Do They Eat? Hirolas eat short grasses and usually graze at dusk or dawn.
	Did You Know? Hirolas have large glands underneath their eyes, which give them a funny "four-eyed" appearance.

What Do They Do?

Hirolas gather in herds to graze, and are led by a dominant male. The herd's size ranges from 5 - 40. Since the dominant males are highly territorial, the herd tends to stay in the same location for extended periods.

How Concerned Should We Be?

The International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN), which keeps a "Red List" of species in danger worldwide, lists the Hirola as "critically endangered." Disease, drought, competition for food and habitat loss are all serious factors that are contributing to the decline in population. Hirolas are also extremely vulnerable to poaching due to a lack of effective protection.

What's Being Done?

Conservation measures have been taken by the Kenya Wildlife Service in alliance with the Hirola Management Committee to better protect the Hirola in their natural habitat, but additional actions and resources are needed to maintain this effort.