Antelope

Antelope, common name applied to a large group of hollow-horned ruminants belonging to the same family (Bovidae) as cattle, goats, and sheep. The group comprises about 150 species. True antelopes are found mainly in Africa and the remainder in Asia.

Antelopes range in size from the tiny royal antelope, which stands about 25 cm (10 in) high at the shoulder, to the Derby eland, sometimes about 1.8 m (6 ft) in height and weighing up to about 680 kg (1,500 lb). The corkscrew horns of a large African antelope, the kudu, grow to about 1.5 m (5 ft) in length. Unlike deer, which they resemble in body and in habits, antelopes have unbranched, hollow horns that are never shed. Antelopes are generally swift, and some species are the fastest of the quadrupeds, attaining speeds of 97 km/h (60 mph). Antelopes are often brilliantly coloured and may live in open plains, marshes, deserts, or forests, according to species. Some are solitary, but many species travel in herds.

See also Addax; Blackbuck; Blesbok; Duiker; Gazelle; Gemsbok; Gnu; Hartebeest; Impala; Nilgai; Waterbuck.

Scientific classification: Antelope belong to the family Bovidae. The royal antelope is classified as Neotragus pygmaeus, and the Derby eland as Taurotragus derbianus. The kudus belong to the genus Tragelaphus.