Class: Mammalia

Order: Artiodactyla

Scientific Name: Damaliscus pygargus dorcas

Range: Cape Province, South Africa

Habitat: Grassland and sparsely-timbered regions

Diet: Wild: Short to medium-length high-quality grasses

Gestation: 7 to 8 months

Litter: 1

Description: Shoulder height is about 36 inches on the average. Weight ranges from 123 to 190 lbs, with males being larger than females. The horns are S-shaped, and range from 14 to 15 inches in length, being somewhat thicker and longer in males. Color-ation is dark brown with a white blaze, underparts and lower legs. Males have small territories that are usually occupied for life. Groups of adult females, averaging 3 individuals, are not permanently associated with any one male, but wander from one territory to another. There are also large herds containing the young animals of both sexes. A territorial male almost always accompanies a herd, initiating and leading their movements, and keeping the members together. He approaches any that stray, and runs flat out to head off escapees. The black-backed jackal is the only predator that coexists with the species, apart from the leopard in some reserves.This species was nearly exterminated by 1830, but several herds have been maintained on government and private preserves, and over 1,500 individuals now exist. They are classified as vulnerable by IUCN, endangered by USDI, and are on appendix 1 of CITES.

Where in the Zoo? I can be found in the African Plains at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo.