Hippotragus niger (Harris, 1838)

Scientific Naming and Sexual Dimorphism Overview

The sable antelope, scientifically named Hippotragus niger (Harris, 1838), shows clear sexual dimorphism: males are heavier and roughly one-fifth taller than females.

Head-and-Body Length

Typical head-and-body length ranges from 190 to 255 cm (75 to 100 in).

Shoulder Height

Shoulder height reaches 117–140 cm (46–55 in) for males, while females are slightly shorter.

Weight

On average, males weigh 235 kg (518 lb) and females weigh 220 kg (490 lb).

Tail Characteristics

The 40–75 cm (16–30 in) long tail ends in a tuft.

Body Build

This species has a compact, robust build with a thick neck and tough skin.

Mane Structure

It has a well-developed, often upright neck mane, plus a short throat mane.

General Body Color Range

Overall body color ranges from rich chestnut to black.

Sex and Age-Related Color Variation

Females and juveniles are chestnut to dark brown, and males begin darkening and turn black after reaching three years of age.

Southern Population Female Coat Color

In southern populations of sable antelope, however, females have brown to black coats.

Calf Coloration Under Two Months

Calves under two months old are light tan with faint markings.

Contrasting Light Body Markings

The underparts, cheeks, and chin are all white, creating strong contrast with the dark back and flanks.

Facial Markings

Long white hairs grow below the eyes, and a wide black stripe runs across the nose.

Horn Presence and General Structure

Both sexes have backward-arching ringed horns.

Horn Length Variation by Sex

Female horns measure 61–102 cm (24–40 cm) in length, while male horns range from 81–165 cm (32–65 in) long.

General Species Lifespan

The average lifespan of sable antelope is 19 years in the wild and 22 years in captivity.

Giant Sable Antelope Breeding Seasonality

For the giant sable antelope, a subspecies of this animal, breeding occurs seasonally, and births align with the rainy season.

Gestation and Litter Size

After a gestation period of around 9 months, females give birth to a single calf.

Newborn Calf Camouflage Coat

Newborn calves have a sandy-colored coat that helps them camouflage.

Post-Birth Calf Hiding Behavior

For at least 10 days after birth, the calf stays hidden while nursing from its mother.

Weaning and Sexual Maturity Age

Young sable antelope are weaned at around 8 months old, and reach sexual maturity between 2 and 3 years of age.

Calf Development and Social Integration

As the calf grows, its coat darkens, and it will establish its social position within the herd.

Giant Sable Antelope Lifespan

The average lifespan of a giant sable antelope is around 17 years.