Antelope (Antelope) is the common name of mammals from the detachment of man-fate, families of the slores (Bovidae). The name "Antelope" comes from the average member of ἀνθόλοψ, meaning "horned animal".
Vilorogue - the second speed of the running animal in the world after the cheetah.
The antelope has many enemies: in nature, large predators exterminate them - ,. A significant population damage is caused by a person, because the meat of antelope is considered very tasty and many nations are delicious.
The average life expectancy of antelope in nature is from 12 to 20 years.
Where are the antelope inhabit?
The overwhelming majority of antelope dwells in South Africa, a certain amount of species are found in Asia. Only 2 species live in Europe: sulfur and saiga (saiga). Several species live in North America, for example, Wilorog.
Some antelopes live in steppes and savannas, others prefer dense undergrings and jungle, some spend all their lives in the mountains.
What feeds on the antelope in nature?
Antelope - a ruminant herbivore animal, its stomach consists of 4 cameras, which allows to digest plant food rich in cellulose. Antelope graze early in the morning or at dusk, when the heat falls, and in search of food are in constant motion.
Most antelope diet consists of various types of herbs, leaves of evergreen shrubs and shoots of young trees. Some antelopes eat algae, fruits, fruits, bean seeds, flowering plants and lichens. Some types of unpretentious food, others are very selective and use strictly certain types of herbs, and therefore periodically make migrations in search of the main power source.
Antelopes feel very well the approaching rain and unmistakably determine the direction of movement towards fresh herbs.
In the conditions of a hot African climate, most types of antelopes can do without water for a long time, sniffing the grass, saturated with moisture.
Types of antelope, photos and titles
The classification of antelope is not constant and currently includes 7 main submersions to which many interesting varieties are counted:
- GNUor wildebeest(Connochaietes.)
the African Antelope is a genus of manfall animals subfamily of bubals, including 2 types: black and blue GNU.
- Black Gnu., he is belochpiece GNUor ordinary Gnu.(Connochaetes Gnou.)
one of the most small types of African antelope. Lives an antilope in South Africa. The growth of males is about 111-121 cm, and the length of the body reaches 2 meters by weight of the body from 160 to 270 kg, and the females are slightly inferior in the sizes of males. The antelopes of both sexes are painted into dark brown or black colors, females are lighter males, and animal tails are always white. The horns of African antelope have the shape of hooks growing first down, then forward and up. The length of the horns for some males antelope reaches 78 cm. A thick black beard grows on the blackstry face, and the patch decorates a white mane with black tips.
- Blue Gnu.(Connochaetes Taurinus.)
a little bigger black. The average growth of antelope is 115-145 cm with weight from 168 to 274 kg. Blue GNUs received their name through a bluish-gray wool color, and dark vertical stripes are located on the sides of the animals, like. Tail and mane Antelope black, horn cow-type, dark gray or black. Blue GNU is distinguished by a very selective diet: antelope eating herbs of certain species, in connection with which they are forced to migrate in the area where the rains have passed and the necessary feed rose. The voice of the animal is a loud and bellish grunt. About 1.5 million Names of the Blue GNU live in Savannaps of African countries: Namibia, Mozambique, Botswana, Kenya and Tanzania, 70% of the population focused in the Serengeti National Park.
- Nyala or Plain Nyala(TRAGELAPHUS ANGASII.)
flican vintage antilope from the subfamily of bullish and the genus of forest antelope. Animal growth is about 110 cm, and the length of the body reaches 140 cm. The weight of adults antelope ranges from 55 to 125 kg. Nyala males massive females. It is very easy to distinguish males from the females: males of gray suit wear screw horns with white tips with a length of 60 to 83 cm, possess a pinch mane, passing along the back, and the rumbler coated wool hanging from the front of the neck. Nyala females are faded and distinguished by red-brown color. Features of both sexes on the sides are well noticeable to 18 vertical white strips. The main source of nutrition is the fresh foliage of young trees, the grass is used only periodically. The familiar habitats of Nyaly are dense thicket landscapes in the territories of Zimbabwe and Mozambique. Also animals were induced to Botswana National Parks and South Africa.
- Related view - mountain Nyala(TRAGELAPHUS BUXTONI)
differs on a more massive body compared to the flat Nyala. The length of the mountain antelope is 150-180 cm, the height in the withers is about 1 meter, the horn of males reaches 1 m in length. Antelope weight varies between 150 and 300 kg. The species dwells exclusively in the mountainous regions of Ethiopian Highlands and the East African Rift Valley.
- Horsepie antilop., she is crab horsepie antilop.(Hippotragus Equinus.)
an African Saberogi Antilope, one of the largest representatives of the family with a height of the withers about 1.6 m and body weight up to 300 kg. The length of the body is 227-288 cm. With its own kind, the animal reminds. The thick wool of horsepie antelope has a grayish brown with a red tump, and on the face "drawn" a black and white mask. The heads of both sexes are decorated with an elongated ears with tassels on the tips and well-twisted horns, directed arcuate back. Mostly horsepie antelopes eat herbs or algae, and these animals do not use the foliage and branches of shrubs. Antelope lives in savanna western, Eastern and South Africa.
- (TRAGELAPHUS EURYCERUS.)
rare appearance of African antelope listed in the international red book. These mammals belong to the subfamily of bovine and the genus of forest antelope. Bongo is rather large animals: the height in the withers of mature features reaches 1-1.3 m, and the weight is about 200 kg. Representatives of the form distinguishes juicy, chestnut-red color with white transverse stripes on the sides, islands of white wool on the legs and a white faded spot on his chest. Bongo Antelope non-addicts and enjoy different kinds Herbs and foliage of shrubs. The habitat area is undergoing difficult forests and mountainous areas in Central Africa.
- Four-time antilop.(Tetracerus Quadricornis)
rare Asian Antelope and the only representative of the solutions whose head is adorn not 2, and 4 horns. The growth of these antelopes is about 55-54 cm with a mass of no more than 22 kg. Animal body is covered with brown wool, which contrasts with a white belly. Only males are endowed with horns: the front pair of horns barely reaches 4 cm, and most often they are practically not visible, the rear horns grow up to 10 cm in height. The four-time antilope feeds on the grass and lives in the jungle of India and Nepal.
- Cow Antilop., she is congony, Steppe Bubalor ordinary Bubal(Alcelaphus Buselaphus.)
this is an African antilope from the subfamily of bubal. Congony - large animals with a height of about 1.3 m and a length of the body up to 2 m. Weaving cow antelope almost 200 kg. Depending on the subspecies, the Kongon's wool color varies from light gray to dark brown, a characteristic black pattern is distinguished on the face, and black marks are located on the legs. Luxurious horn up to 70 cm longs are individuals of both sexes, their form is a crescent, curved on the sides and up. Feels the cow antelope with herbs and leaves of shrubs. Representatives of subspecies of Congoni live throughout Africa: from Morocco to Egypt, Ethiopia, Kenya and Tanzania.
- Black Antilop.(Hippotragus Niger.)
an African antilope, which refers to the genus of horsepower antelope, the Sablerhetic Antelope family. The growth of ferrous antelope is about 130 cm when the body weight is up to 230 kg. Adult males are distinguished by iscin-black body color, favorably contrasting with white belly. Young males and females have a brick or dark brown color. Horn arched by semicircle back and consisting of a large amount of rings, have individuals of both sexes. Black antelopes live in the steppes from Kenya, Tanzania and Ethiopia to the southern part of the African continent.
- Cannesshe is ordinary canna(Taurotragus Oryx.)
the largest antilope in the world. Externally, Cannes looks like, only more slim, and the dimensions of the animal are impressive: the height in the withers of adults is 1.5 meters, the length of the body reaches 2-3 meters, and the body weight can be from 500 to 1000 kg. The ordinary Cannes are yellow-brown wool, which with age becomes gray-blue on her neck and shoulders. Males are distinguished by pronounced skin folds on the neck and the fancy hair rig on the forehead. Distinctive features of antelope - from 2 to 15 light stripes in front of the body, massive shoulders and twisted straight horns that decorate and females and males. The diet of Cannes consists of herbs, foliage, as well as rhizomes and tubers that animals mined from the ground with front hooves. The antilopa of Cannes in the plains and foothills throughout the territory of Africa, with the exception of Western and northern regions.
- Dwarf antilop., she is Antilopa-Dwarf ( Neotragus Pygmaeus.)
the smallest of the antelope belongs to the subfamily of real antelope. The growth of an adult animal barely reaches 20-23 cm (rarely 30 cm) with a body weight from 1.5 to 3.6 kg. The newborn antilopa-dwarf weighs about 300 g and can fit on the palm of the person. The hind limbs of antelope are much longer than the front, so in the case of anxiety, animals are able to perform jumps up to 2.5 m in length. Adults and young painted equally and have red-brown wool, only the chin, belly, the inner surface of the legs and the tassel on the tail are painted in white. The males are growing miniature black horns in the form of a cone and a length of 2.5-3.5 cm. Dwarf antelope feeds with leaves and fruits. Natural habitat of mammals - thick forest arrays of West Africa: Liberia, Cameroon, Guinea, Ghana.
- Gazelle ordinary ( Gazella Gazella)
animal from the subfamily of real antelope. The body length of the Gazelle varies within 98-115 cm, the weight is from 16 to 29.5 kg. The females are easier males and inferior to them in size by about 10 cm. The body of ordinary gazelle sophisticated, neck and legs are long, croup mammals crowned the tail length is 8-13 cm. The horn of males reach 22-29 cm long, in females horns shorter - only 6 -12 cm. The color of the wool along the back and on the sides of the dark brown, on the belly, the cereals and on the inside of the feet of the wool white. Often this color boundary is separated by a spectacular dark strip. A distinctive feature of the species is a pair of white stripes on the face, which pass vertically from horns through the eyes to the animal's nose. The ordinary gazelle dwells in semi-desert and deserted zones of Israel and Saudi Arabia, in the UAE, in Yemen, Lebanon and Oman.
- or Black Antilope ( AEPYCEROS MELAMPUS.)
The length of the body of representatives of this species varies in the range of 120-160 cm when height in the withers 75-95 cm and weighing from 40 to 80 kg. The males wear libel horns, the length of which often exceeds 90 cm. The wool color is brown, and the sides are a little lighter. Belo, the chest area, as well as the neck and chin of white. On both sides are bright black stripes on both sides, and over the hooves there is a bunch of black hair. Habitat Imphal covers Kenya, Uganda, extending to Savannan South Africa and the territory of Botswana. One population lives apart on the border of Angola and Namibia, and stands out in an independent subspecies (AEPYCEROS MELAMPUS PETERSI).
- Saigakor Saiga ( Saiga Tatarica.)
animal from the subfamily of real antelope. Sigak body length ranges from 110 to 146 cm, weight from 23 to 40 kg, height in the withers 60-80 cm. The body has an extended shape, the limb is thin and rather short. The carriers of limited yellowish-whiten horns are only males. A characteristic feature of the appearance of saigas is the nose: it looks like a movable soft trunk with the most close-limited nostrils and gives the face of the animal some humpback. Saygak Antelope Color varies depending on the time of year: in summer, the wool is yellow-redhead, darkeing to the back of the back and brighter on the belly, winter fur acquires a grayish-clay shade. Saigas live in the territory of Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan, are found in Turkmenistan, in the west of Mongolia and in Uzbekistan, in Russia, habitat is covered by Astrakhan region, Steppes of Kalmykia, the Republic of Altai.
- Zebry ducker ( Cephalophus Zebra.)
mammal animal from the genus Forest Duckers. The length of the body of the ducker is 70-90 cm with a weight of 9 to 20 kg and height in the withers 40-50 cm. The body of an animal is squat, with a developed muscles and a characteristic bend on the back. The legs are short, with widespread hooves. Representatives of both sexes have short horns. The zero of the zebra ducker is distinguished by the color of the light orange tone, the "zebry" drawing of black strips is clearly distinguished on the torso - their number varies from 12 to 15 pieces. An animal habitat is limited to a small territory in West Africa: a place of residence of a zebrow ducker chooses dense thickets of tropics in Guinea, Liberia, Sierra Leone and the banks of ivory.
- Jaran ( Gazella subgutturosa.)
animal from the genus of Gazelle, family of slores. The length of the body of Ceyrana ranges from 93 to 116 cm with a weight from 18 to 33 kg and height in the withers from 60 to 75 cm. The head of males is decorated with black bridal horns with transverse rings, females are usually ruffes, although some individuals have small embossed horns around 3 -5 cm long. The back and sides of the Jayran painted in sand color, belly, neck and limbs from the inside - white. The tip of the tail is always black. The young animals are clearly expressed in the face: it is represented by a stain brown in the area of \u200b\u200bthe nose and a pair of dark strips passing from the eyes to the corners of the mouth. Jaran lives in mountainous regions, in the desert zones and semi-deserts in Armenia, Georgia, Afghanistan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan and Turkmenistan are found in the south of Mongolia, in Iran, Pakistan, Azerbaijan and in China.
Graceful antilope Nyala
The graceful antilope of Nyala, inhabiting Savannes of Southeast Africa, is a grateful animal that lives under the cover of trees and in the thickets of bushes.
Features of the animal
Horn: Dark brown or black with the ends of the ivory. Head: Facials of both sexes are big sinks, so animals have very sharp hearing and they hear the sounds of the enemy, which is approaching. The males between the eyes have bright white spots. Male: Darmer females. Woolen cover - brown with grayish raid. The body is separated by 14 narrow vertical white stripes. The head, the neck and shoulders of the male covers the mane, which becomes end during the collision with the opponent. Female: less than male, hair cover light redhead, on the sides of white dots and transverse stripes. A short black mane reaches along the back. With danger, a piercing ripple cry makes. The female creates one, less often two kids they lie, hiding in thick thickets. Mother visits to feed offspring, and disappears again. When the kids grow up, start walking behind the mother.
Nyala is a small antelope, rising as small kud. Its slightly twisted horns reach 80 cm long. Nyala is found on spacious plain savannahs. Appearing in the open locality, the antelope is dangerous to become a victim of a lion or leopard. When Nyala is forced to move around the open area, for example, during nomads in search of water or food, they are going to big herds. Thanks to this, the coolers notice the predator approaching faster. The flock of antelope is held in the area of \u200b\u200b0.5 to 3.5 km2 and has up to 30 animals. At the head of the mixed or bachelor's herd, there is always one leader-male. The family group leader is an adult female. The fights between males rarely end in the death of animals, however, arguing from the female, they often beat the opponent with front legs and horns. Wool on the back of males becomes end, while the animals nervously run forward-back with raised winding with fluffy tails. Frightened opponents rush to each other, bowing heads, horns towards the opponent. The herd does not protect its territory, but Single males often make their own possessions, leaving on the bushes of the separation of the odorous glands located on the face of animals. Rocking strangers, males knocking horns about the Earth. Nyala is well coherent with antilopes of other species.
Nyal is grazing from an early evening until the morning. For this, the animal overlook open areas. Later hiding in the cache, in the thick of the bushes. Antelope feeds with leaves, branches, grass, fruits of wild and some cultivated plants. An animal to taste the leaves of many types of trees and bushes, among them - leaves of acacia, mustard wood, El Salvador and medicinal cucumber grass. It also consumes the border of baobabs. Nyal eats everything, to which it can reach: she wures the part of the plant with the language and then plucks it with the help of lower teeth. During the growth of the grass, the antilopa disrupts young shoots not with teeth, but lips. During drought, the animal is powered by dry leaves.
The number of species is quite stable throughout the area, despite the irrational use of his habitat.
Squad - Parquarts
Family - Greeting
Rod / View - TRAGELAPHUS BUXTONI. Mountain Nyala
Basic data:
Dimensions
Height: 90-120 cm.
Length: 190-260 cm.
Rog Length: 1.18m.
Weight: Male - 180-300 kg, female - 150-200 kg.
Reproduction
Pallet maturation: Female, male - at 18 months.
Marriage: October December.
Pregnancy: 7-9 months.
Number of cubs: 1.
LIFESTYLE
Habits: Mountain nyalas (see animal photo) are active at dusk; Females with cubs keep herds, males - alone.
Food: Leaves, grass, shoots.
Life expectancy: up to 16 years.
Related species
Nyala and Sitatung. Mountain nyala externally looks very similar to Big Kudo.
Mountain nyala. Video (00:06:58)
It is believed that no more than 12,000 mountain nyals live in nature. These animals are found in the area of \u200b\u200babout 150 km2, so any interference in the habitat of mountain nyals can lead to their disappearance.
LIFESTYLE
Motherland Mountain Nyaly is the cold and wet areas of Ethiopia, located at a height of about 4,200 meters above sea level. In these regions, mountainous forests and heather puffs are dominated, in the middle of which small swamps can be seen. With the onset of the rainy season to the foot of the mountains come the herd of livestock. Then the mountain nyalas go to thick forests located at an altitude of 3000 meters above sea level. The females of Nyala together with cubs are in small herds, numbering from 4 to 6 individuals. The most numerous groups consist of 16 individuals.
Young males hold separately, small bacheloy herds. Adult males Nyala always live one by one, and only with the onset of the pairing period move closer to females. Animals are trying not to leave thickets and very rarely decide to enter the open space.
Mountain nyalas are peace-loving and frightening empty animals, most often leading a nightlife. It is easiest to see them at dusk when Nyala go to search for food. These animals have rather poor eyesight, but the rumor and smell are surprisingly well. If Nyala accounts for the enemy, then she, or freezes, or hides in the nearest thickets. In addition to leopard, which is usually hunting young, old or weakened animal disease, mountain nyals have very little natural enemies.
Reproduction
During the reproduction period, from around October to December, rare adult males join the herds of females with cubs. Usually one male comes to each herd. The male tilts the head crowned with great horns, and slowly, a special step, as if on the tips of the hoof, approaching the female. Nyala pregnancy lasts about 7-9 months. The only cub is usually born in the summer, in June or July. It has a yellowish brown protective wool color, which merges in color with the surrounding vegetation, so it is difficult to notice.
Mother holds the baby away from herd. When he is growing, the female leads a cub in herd. On the cubs mountain nyala leopards hunt. Often the male joins his baby, he distilts the predator, threatening him with his long horns. Mother feeds kid with milk for 6 months. Young females reach sexual maturity in the first year of life.
What is food
At the homeland of Mountain Nyaly, in Ethiopia, low trees grow, juniper, bushes and countless perennial plants. Nyala feeds mainly by leaves, branches that fetus and young shoots. Especially animals prefer the leaves and pods of acacia. Mountain nyalas willingly eat and grass, however, in the mountainous areas, the grass is very rare. Only occasionally Mountain Nyalam managed to find small islands, crumpled herbal vegetation, because the real meadows are at the foot of the mountains.
With the onset of the rainy period, the mountain nyalas carry out minor migrations, settling on the smokers of fresh grass valleys or abandoned pastures of livestock, located at an altitude of 3000 m above sea level. The largest competitors of the mountain nyal are numerous herds with whom they are fighting for pastures.
INTERESTING INFORMATION. Do you know that ...
- The scarecrow of the first nonya, open by European researchers, and to this day is one of the most valuable exhibits of the London Museum of Natural Science.
- While the cub will not be so independent to join the herd, the mother eats his excrement so that predators did not find his refuge.
- Mountain nyala looks like a big curd that it is sometimes called "middle kud."
- Nyala can jump over an obstacle with a height of 2.5 m.
Characteristic features of mountain nyala. DESCRIPTION
Horn: There is only a male. They are spinning with a spiral, each horn grows to the side. Ends of horns white.
Head: Between the eyes pass on white stripes. Big ears are located on the heads of the head. The mountain nyaly has excellent hearing.
Male: The color of wool from grayish brown to dark brown, with 6-10 white spots and 4 white transverse stripes on the back of the body. Wool on the neck and back is long and rigid. A long mane stretches from the neck to the tail.
Female: The painting looks like a male, but its wool is shorter and smoother than the male. The female is smaller than the male. She has no horns.
- Habits Area Mountain Nyaly
Where dwells
Mountain Nyal is found in a limited area of \u200b\u200bSouth Ethiopia (its area is only 150 km2) at an altitude of 3,000 to 4200 m above sea level.
Protection and preservation
The fecundity of the mountain nyal is very low. In addition, the habitats of these animals are destroyed. According to the latest calculations, the number of animals living free is from 4,000 to 12,000 individuals.
On hot savannah and the steppes, the magnificent animal is mercantly. Antelope is famous not only to its amazing appearance and grace, but also a lightning response and speed, allowing them at the first signs of danger immediately hide. At the mention of these animals, each person will certainly present, as a large African antilope with long horns is cautiously under the rays of the hot sun. But not everyone is guessing, what kind of different representatives of a large and confused group can be. This is primarily due to the fact that the classification of them is unhappy and has no clear structure. Antilopams include all geriums that did not get into other kinds of families, family and subfamily. Currently, there are more than 100 species of these animals.
Antelope perfectly adapted to the most different climatic conditions. If you look at the habitat of these animals, you can say with confidence that they are literally scattered on the planet.
Many are accustomed that horny beauties are found only in Savannah Africa. This error may have arisen due to the fact that the overwhelming number of types of bands dwells on this continent. However, some types of antelopes are found in steppe spaces. Central Asia, Europe (Caucasus, Alps), India, North and South America.
It is usually inhabited by an antilope in places with a hot dry climate where all sorts of herbs grow well. Animals feel perfectly in the conditions of deserts, semi-desert and steppes. Open area allows herbivore on time to notice a sterling predator and quickly run away at a safe distance. Among them are the famous Antelopes from Africa: GNU, Big Kudo, Yurik Gazelle Thompson and Spice, Impala. Steppe Antilope, Saigak, lives in semi-derangements of Central Asia. Rare Oriks live in the deserts of Arabia.
Another group of graceful gerium animals chose forests. Antilope Cannes, similar to a strange mixture of a bull and goat, well adapts to both forests and mountains. Often inhabitants in thick thickets slightly remind of deer. Nyala from Africa almost does not come out of the dense forest. Tiny kids are hidden in the thickets: Dick Dick and Ducker.
Mountain areas mastered the most brave animals. Some African Antelopes, such as Sassas (or Clipshpringer), are considered the best jumpers in their group. With the smallest among the wooden supporting area of \u200b\u200bthe legs, these kids are able to overcome the abyss and fun to jump along the coolest skates. Caucasian and alpine sulns predominantly live on the snowy vertices of the mountains, only the harsh winter descend in the forest.
Some groups chose places in swamps and water bodies. Antelope from Africa with the strange name "Kob" is tied to constant rivers and feed on the growing on the shore and at the bottom of the vegetation. Not far from harsh Sahara, this elegant animal lives. In gentleproofs with a large number of water bodies, not a large antilopa - a red ride, or aged.
Due to the activities of people, the aroles of the existence of certain types of antelopes decreased significantly. Pollution of the reservoirs, the construction of cities and agriculture push the onsetlight with their natural place of habitat.
What do antelope look like?
Oh Rog
The very name of the "antilope" with Greek translates as a "horned animal". Indeed, every kind of this big interesting group can boast with its special crown.
If you look at the representatives of all families, you can see that they have completely different horns. They differ not only with a diameter, but also length (from 2 cm to 1.5 m), color and shape. This bone formation, unlike the horns of deer and vilorerh, are firmly connected with the skull and do not branch.
The most unusual and beautiful is the crown of the screws. It has an interesting, spiral shape. Unfortunately, precisely because of this, big smoke, an African antilope with long horns (more than meter), strongly twisted corkscrew, was on the verge of extinction. Now the kind is taken under protection.
Greater Kudo from Africa - the owner of the world's longest horns, usually reaching a length of one and a half meters (record - 1.8 m).
In water goats, living near the constant water bodies, the horns of the library (bico curved) form. Their crown is usually large (in different species from 50 to 90 cm). Only in secretly secretly rodununo the horns are straight (slightly curved a little) and small (slightly more than 20 cm).
Pele, or Koslya, is the only representative of the kind of roasted antelope. These small elegant animals from Africa weighing about 20 kg have short straight, but sharp and durable horns, allowing to defend against predators.
Representatives of the subfamily of samplogic, in their appearance resembling strange horses, are endowed with very long horns. The shape and thickness of different kinds of childbirth: the addaks - wide and twisted, horse antelope is highly twisted back in the form of a semicircle of horns, from sulfur - thin straight or slightly bending to the end of a high-length horns.
Cow Antelopes are one of the largest representatives of their group. His second name Bubal was obtained due to the elongated skull, slightly resembling the bull's head. One of the features of these large pitfalls from Africa is that short curved horns are worn both males and females.
Gazelles are miniature owners of straight or slightly curved crown. This antilope from Asian steppes and Africa is very fast, and thin light horns do not interfere with the run.
Impala boasts one of the most beautiful jewelry on the head. This African antilope with long horns (about a meter), curved wedge, is proud to carry the crown "v"-like form.
But the kids are duckers are considered the most modest. Their horns of the straight form are not exceeded in a length of 10 cm.
About the physique
All antelopes are very strong and hardy animals. However, the structure and body texture are also different, depending on the habitat.
So, the antilope of the GNU from hot Africa has slender long legs, powerful enough to overcome long distances. The body is large with a small hump behind his back. The powerful neck is covered with a kind of "mane". And the head resembles a cow. It seems that the GNU was collected from parts of different animals.
Gazelles are very subtle and elegant. These onto these woodenfalls are a long flexible neck, allowing you to quickly look around and get leaves from trees. Because of its sufficiently small sizes, Gazelles become mining many predators. Beauty need to develop the highest possible speed to survive. Thin, but strong legs allow gazelles to jump high, accelerating and maneuvering.
The unusual device has a saiga. In the conditions of a dusty steppe, his unusual hanging nose hanging on the lower lip becomes just necessary. Inside the cavity trunk is covered with mucous glands, delaying sand particles and other trash.
And the giraffic gazelle from Africa too unusual appearancefully relevant name. The long neck of the animal allows him to be without difficulty, put on two legs, eat the leaves of trees, where they will not get most of herbivores.
What do the antelope eat?
Antelopes live in places fairly extreme: in the snowy mountains, in dry steppes and hot savannas, impassable forests. In fact, the diet of animals is different in different climatic zones. What is usually eating an antilope, even the area (mountains, swamps, forests, plains) determines. So, in the diet of various representatives of this group may include:
- grass;
- leaves of trees and shrubs;
- water and coastal vegetation;
- Fresh branches;
- Young shoots;
- Flowers;
- fruits;
- moss;
- lichen;
- Roots.
Antelopes are ruminant animals, which allows to digest even the most rigid grass and leaves. Cellulose contained in some parts of plants is not absorbed by the stomachs of many herbivores. Solving the same, adapted to process this substance, twice fastening their food.
It is said that many antelopes are able to find food almost everywhere. Spicy scent and natural cutter will always find a solution in a difficult situation. Therefore, what is powered by a variety, can change at different times of the year.
Armed and very dangerous
IN wildlife Survive only the one who was able to better adapt. Antelope is constantly being dangerous to be eaten predators. But these seemingly harmless animals have their own trumps in the sleeve.
The main weapon of gazelles is elegant, but strong legs. They save it from chase predators. Sling very quickly run, successfully maneuver and jump, thereby confronting the attacker. In addition, being in a hopeless position (for example, the protection of the cub), the mannocks begin to fly with hooves.
The most notable weapon of these animals is their horns. And apply elegant man-and-theered "decoration" not only for games, marital battles, but also for defense. As a rule, representatives of both sexes families have a grazing bone weapon. For example, Oriks, an African antilope with long horns, with the help of a kind of "saber" can fight back from their enemies, inflicting heavy deep wounds.
Forewarned is forearmed. In the wild, this phrase is almost the most important law of survival. The earlier the herbivore will notice a predator, the more likely to be saved. Antelope is a real animal spy. Her big ears, widely placed on the sides, as if radar, are tensely listening to all the roots of grass. Eyes also located on the sides allow the antilopam to see the approach of the predator. These animals also strongly developed smell.
Antelopes, like any herbivores, have stereoscopic vision. Their eyes are located on both sides of the head, which provides almost a circular review. These herbivores, in contrast to predators, are perfectly seen colors (which allows to determine the edible of vegetation). Their eyes focus on fixed objects and are almost unable to see something in the absence of light.
It is imperceptible to sneak to one antelope - a very difficult task. These animals almost never remain alone. They live in peculiar herds, which allows you to observe almost all the terrain in the district. If one person from the herd notices a predator, then it will immediately notify all the other special signals.
Lifestyle
Antelopes most often lead a daily lifestyle. As the sun light, this animal is much easier to notice a predator and find food. Greaves are forced to lead a nomadic lifestyle, constantly moving on endless pastures, forests or mountains.
Often antelopes live in large herd families. Different types of hierarchy and the structure of association are significantly different. So, at Vilorogov from Africa, the leader of the herd (a clear hierarchy and related links is not) is a female, which directs its relatives to a new pasture or a reservoir. The impulse has peculiar harem. The male leader guards a group of several females with cubs.
Sleep the antelopes are completely small. During the day, they are abandoned, standing on the legs or lying, pursing the legs. In case of danger, the animal instantly wakes up and begins to flee.
Many African Antelopes with long horns are going to herd. So much safer. Part of the animals will fit the rest, then they are replaced.
Reproduction antelope
Many antelopes are well expressed seasonality of breeding. Marriage games begin in February-April, by the end of the rain period. Each type expects the kids to appear at the beginning of the wet season of the year, when a lot of food.
Pregnancy Antelope lasts in different ways. The larger the size of the individual in the form, the more the cubs are getting out. For example, Cannes, an African antilope with long horns, hatches the kids of 9 months, and a tiny dick dick - 6 months.
Marriage games are also different. Some species are suitable for duels. During the fight on the horns, a winner is established, which receives a harem. Other males antiflands collect a group of females, protecting against strangers.
The kids are born quite quickly and literally in a few minutes stand on their feet. Most of the cubs begin to immediately follow the mother. Some species of gerulties are hiding in special asylums.
Types of antelope
If you look at all antelope, it is not difficult to see what are different. And it is not by chance! This Pösta group of animals includes several families. Sometimes some kinds of bulls and goats are counted. Types of antelope demonstrates a list of subfaming:
- real antelope;
- Sablery (Sablerhey Antelope);
- roeli (tiles of antelope);
- Cow Antelope (Bubals);
- Dwarf antelope;
- water goats;
- Wilorogues;
- Imphala;
- Some bulls and goats;
- Crested antelope (fools).
About extinct species and childbirth you will learn a little later. Next, consider the very interesting representatives of this group.
GNU
Antilope GNU is one of the most famous herbivores from Africa. His unusual and even slightly terrible name they received for the issued sounds.
Currently, there are two subspecies of the GNU: white-tailed (or black) and blue. The first is considered very rare. White Gnu dwells only in southern Africa (Namibia), and blue - just north, in Kenya. Distinguish these two types of each other easily. At White Gnub, the horns are directed slightly forward, the hair on the mane and the tail - white, and in the blue - the horns are placed on the sides, the chapels - black.
An unusual and slightly strange appearance of the animal as if inflated on his character. Antilope GNU is extremely unstable. A peacefully grazing animal can sharply jump, start taking the air and rolling in the area. If the GNU of this will be a little, she will attack the first inheritant in Africa (even on an elephant).
One of the most exciting phenomena of the animal world is the migration of the ranges. Each major antilope joins universal nomadic in search of pastures. Migration deadlines are not clearly established. Every year, animals can "move the schedule".
GNU - animals with a very developed social contact. Herbivores always cut down a member of herd in trouble.
Cannes
Antilope Cannes is the largest animal in the family of sluggish. The length of her body is 2-3 meters, and the weight is from 500 to 1000 kg! Despite its serious dimensions, this African antilope with long horns looks very slim.
Cannes from the birth of reddish-ocher. However, their wool is darken over the years, acquiring a gray-blue shade.
Cannes live in the north of Africa, where they will safely settle on the plains. Feed animals by fruit, leaves and grass. Despite its external grace, these antelopes are sufficiently slow (although if necessary, the speed can be developed up to 70 km / h). Cannes are known as excellent jumpers: they can jump at a distance of more than three meters.
This African antilope with long horns is quite good to domestication. Cannes is grown by milk, which is a few times fat and useful than cow, and meat.
These animals are peaceful enough and try not to push smaller herbivores from their territory. In addition, they are trying in every way to avoid unnecessary fights. The males before the meeting communicate, sending each other about their age, the amount, the magnitude of the horns. Opponents evaluate strength, and weaker leaves the territory.
Royal, or dwarf, Antelope is considered the smallest in his group. Its growth does not exceed 30 cm with weight of no more than 4 kg.
The legs in cute crumbs from Africa are thin, but very strong. With danger, the animal can jump at a height of 2.5 meters. The body is small, oval with a characteristic light brown skurt. These are very peaceful animals, so the clashes between the males occur infrequently. Black horns at representatives of the species of this and small (3-4 centimeters).
These crumbs live in tropical forests West Africa. They lead an active nightlife, in the morning and day are hiding. Unfortunately, their small size makes it difficult to study the species. The list of questions accumulated from scientists, every year only increases. It is known that representatives of the species live scattered.
It is believed that the royal antilope from Africa acquired its miniature sizes to reach out before it is powered by leaves from the lowest tiers. The fact is that each herbivore is adapted for a specific type of vegetation.
Sagaki (or Margachi) live in steppe spaces of Asia. This slightly clumsy antelope, all types of which up to some pores were under threat of extinction, easily recognizable. Large, hanging to the bottom of the lip nose - a peculiar adaptation to harsh living conditions. Trulling allows you to filter the air, strongly clogged with dust.
Sigak's nose is able to adjust the temperature and humidity of the incoming oxygen. A large number of Blood vessels in the trunk are heated or the air is cooled, and the mucous membranes are softened too dry. Also, the nose is able to make different sound signals.
These middle antelopes weigh up to 80 kg. The body is long, and the legs are short and strong. Saigas are going to big herds: in the summer they are migrated together, and in winter it is warmed.
On average, each female is born two cubs (less often three or one). A few days later, mother hides their baby in shelter, where the saigacon lies motionless. Only after that time Margachi big family Begin to graze.
In the steppes of Asia, a very hot dry summer and a cold winter with strong winds. That is why saigans fur coat seasonally change: the summer is thin, and in winter it is dense with a bleeder.
Gernecus, or Giraffe Gazelle, - the owner of a very interesting appearance. The name of the animal definitely describes it. Long, very thin neck and legs allow gerene to get the leaves on the highest branches.
The growth of giraffic gazelles (in the withers) is 95 cm with a very small weight of 30-50 kg. Small black horns are found only in males. Animal body slim reddish color.
Gerenuki live in semi-desert flavored areas. Never form groups. Males are jealously defended their territory.
Oriks, an African antilope with long horns, hears the entire world to a famous fencer. Their slightly curved crown can reach a length of about 90 cm. Its second name - sulfasses - these animals received for a major body resembling a bullish, and a beautiful striped pattern on a muzzle, like mountain sulf.
The origins live in dry deserts and semi-deserts. From the heat of the sun protects the thick light skin, reflective rays. In addition, this African antilope with long horns can live without water for several weeks!
The origins are able to feel moisture for several kilometers. They rarely manage to find reservoirs. All the necessary moisture they get from scanty vegetation.
The origins live in small herds, at the head of which is the leader-male. The association is characterized by a strict hierarchy. The leader protects his ladies with the kids who are marching at the herd immediately behind him. At the end there are subordinate males.
Orixes are real long-livers among the antelopes. In natural conditions, they live 18 years old!
Its like a saber-like weapon This African antilope with long horns applies in the fight for the female. Duels occur according to special rules. The males get up to each other shoulder to the shoulder and begin to fencing their horns. Often everything is on this and ends. Orixes do not allow bloodshed.
External antelope
The variety of antelope is dumbfounded. Serious losses. Already fourteen genera of these beautiful animals are completely extinct. Among them, both the ancient residents of our planet, and inhabited recently. Consider some of the antelope lost for the world forever.
Travecers appeared on our planet about 30 million years ago. These ancient animals lived in savannah and forest-steppes Africa. They are evidenced by the remains found by groups found by groups.
These were small (no more than 90 cm in height) antelopes quickly spread through the continent, adapting to the most different vegetation. Dimensions of the goators about 5 million years ago due to a sharp climate drainage, and then cooling.
No wonder saigas are called alive fossils. These animals retain their unchanged appearance of more than 250 thousand years! Traditionally, Saigas are considered by the steppe Asian antelope, but in 1876 the Geologist Ivan Dementievich Khsky in Cold Yakutia found Skull Margach.
It turns out that these antelopes lived at one time with mammoths. It is in the conditions of extremely low temperatures and a lack of food formed the famous Nose Margach.
Blue Antelope has become the first disappeared large herbivore Africa by man. Their habitat was very small (4 thousand square kilometers) and was in the south of the continent. Although, judging by the rocky drawings, in ancient times it was much more.
The animal was discovered by Europeans in the XVIII century. The name of the antilope received due to a slightly bluish tint of the skin, "translucent" through the skin. The animal's horns were medium in size, in the form of a saber curve. In appearance, the blue antelope was a typical representative of horsepie antelopes, only slightly less and more elegant.
A rare animal has become mercilessly killing for the sake of beautiful skin and just for the sake of fun. The meat was fed with dogs, as it was completely tasteless. Blue Antelope constantly needed water, so it was vulnerable and could not escape.
The last representative of the species died in 1799 (or 1800). For local peoples, this loss was even more painful: the animal was represented by the defender from the dark forces and evil spirits.
Now only four stuffed blue antelope and several bone fragments are preserved.
Redhead Gazel
Red gazelles lived in rich sediments mountain areas Atlas in the north of Africa. Unfortunately, almost nothing is known about these animals. Three stuffed preserved, which were bought in the Algerian market in late XIX. century. The last representative of the species was killed in 1894 on the hunt. Officially extinct redhead gazelle was recognized only a century later.
Antelope enemies in nature
In the wild, the antelopes always have enough offenders. These graceful animals become welcome lunch many predators. Most often, cubs, old, sick and young individuals, who cannot fully defend themselves and run away.
In African savannahs, large predators hunt for geriums. Lions, leopards, guy dogs, cheetahs often attack helpless in the darkness of antelope. In addition, many herbivores die in crocodile teeth when moving through rivers. And on miniature man-fated, for example, dick-wilds, large predatory birds (falcons, vultures, eagles) and smaller carnivorous (foxes, jackals) are periodically attacked.
Sulna lives in the High Mountains also hide from their enemies. High gorges are good asylum, but when the animals go down below, there are already dangerous. , Berkuts, foxes, leopards, lynx and eagles are tirelessly attack the deft serne.
And the forest residents of the enemies are even debugging. Wolves, jaguars, tigers, wolverity wait them in the thickets, preparing to attack. In danger there are cubs, which can not until the predator approach.
In the dry steppes on the antelope hunt foxes-korsaki, carakala, wolves, sapsans, eagles and cruise. They are attacked on old and young saigas, who beat off the herd.
The main enemy of Gazelle is a person. People who violate the laws of nature, kill strong and healthy animals without any need for food. It is a person who is guilty of the disappearance of several species of beautiful solutions and bringing others to a critical state.
Now the extinct workshops are trying to "rehabilitate" in national Parks and zoos. So, recently, the population of sugar oriks peoples restored for several decades was returned.
Even in the Middle Ages, the antelope was rarely met on the coat of arms of European kingdoms and cities. Although, if you see her image, it is unlikely to recognize in the creature with a tiger head, on which terrible horns with jarbins, huge boys, thick long wool on the neck and a lion's tail. Only the body remains from the antelope of this strange chimera. This creature was concerned on the emblem of the King Henry V. In Heraldry, this image symbolizes the grace, speed, spiritual ideal. Now the antelopes (in the usual form form) are decorated with coat of arms of Uganda and Zimbabwe.
In 2009, in Kenya, paleontologists discovered an ancient antelope. While the animal has only the scientific name "Rusingoryx AtopocraNion". An ancient herbivore lived in about the same way, where the famous antilope GNU is now inhabited. The skeleton, which has been already several thousand years old, is very well preserved. This gave the opportunity to establish that the structure and appearance Animal is almost the same as the antelope GNU. Only one item is distinguished: bone ridges that worked like twin vevuzels are in the nose of the ancient mammal. Such mechanisms to communicate at ultrasound met in some types of dinosaurs.
Not all antelopes have only two horns. In India, there are small, about 60 cm in height, animals. Quadruphered antelopes from all geriums can boast the presence of two pairs of bone growths. Now this species is under threat, because because of the unusual head and tasty meat on the animal, an active hunt was carried out.
Vilorogue, African antilope with long horns, has very good eyesight. His big eyes, located on the sides of the head, work like a powerful binoculars. Scientists were calculated that Vilorogue sees everything just as well as a lens with an eight-time increase.
On the head of the male cannes, strand of hair is growing all life. On these beams, you can determine the age of the animal. At old antelopes, the strand is long and thick.
