Lichtenstein’s hartebeest is a large antelope with humped shoulders, an elongated head, a sloping back and S-shaped horns in both sexes. It stands about 1.2 m at the shoulder, bulls weigh around 200 kg and cows up to 180 kg, and its tawny coat has a darker saddle-like patch behind the hump. It is very rare in the Kruger National Park.
Name
Lichtenstein’s Hartebeest
Appearance
The Lichtenstein’s Hartebeest is a large species of antelope with humped shoulders, an elongated head and a sloping back. Cows can weigh up to 180 kg and fully-grown adult bulls can weigh 200kg. These massive animals stand at 1.2m from the shoulder down. The Coat of the Lichtenstein’s Hartebeest is a tawny colour that has a darker spot on its back, behind the hump, that resembles the look of a saddle. The hind legs, under parts of the tail and the rump are off white in colour. The fronts of the legs as well as the tips of the tails are black. On the flanks of the Lichtenstein’s Hartebeest has a very unique darker patch that is caused by it rubbing its head against its flank. Both the males and females have S shaped horns that are about the same shape. The Bull’s horns are thicker at the base.
Diet
The Lichtenstein’s Hartebeest is a grazer that prefers feeding on perennial grass that grows between freshly burnt areas. They come out in the morning and afternoons when it is cooler.
Breeding
The Lichtenstein’s Hartebeests have a gestation period of 240 days where after a single offspring is born. Females generally calf between August and September. Females will try to calf at the same time and it is considered an Anti-Predator mechanism. Females reach sexual maturity by 16 months and calves are weaned by 12 months.
Behaviour
Lichtenstein’s Hartebeest herds consist of about 10 members. A single bull can have up to 7 females with all of their offspring. The young bulls are expelled from the herd after about 12 months and the females are expelled after 18 months. The territorial bull will defend its territory and females from other males and predators, especially during the calving period.
Habitat
Lichtenstein’s Hartebeests are found in large open habitats with an adequate supply of water for them to cool off and drink and therefore they are only seen in places with high rainfall. They are very rare in the Kruger National Park but are well worth it when you spot them while on a Kruger Park Safari.
Where they are found
In South Africa, the Lichtenstein’s Hartebeest is found only in a small area in and around the Kruger National Park. It was thought to have gone extinct but populations have been established and relocated to several areas.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Lichtenstein’s hartebeest eat?
It is a grazer that prefers perennial grass growing between freshly burnt areas. It comes out to feed in the mornings and afternoons, when it is cooler.
Where does Lichtenstein’s hartebeest live?
In large open habitats with an adequate supply of water to drink and cool off, so it is only seen in places with high rainfall. It was once thought to have gone extinct, but populations have been established in several areas and numbers have increased greatly.
How big is a Lichtenstein’s hartebeest herd?
About 10 animals. A single territorial bull can have up to 7 females with their offspring and defends his territory and females from other males and predators, especially during calving; young bulls are expelled at about 12 months and young females at 18 months.
When do Lichtenstein’s hartebeest give birth?
Females generally calve between August and September, giving birth to a single calf after a gestation period of 240 days. Calving at the same time is considered an anti-predator mechanism, and calves are weaned by 12 months.
Why does Lichtenstein’s hartebeest have dark patches on its flanks?
The distinctive darker patch on its flanks is caused by the hartebeest rubbing its head against its flank. The rest of the coat is tawny, with off-white hind legs, rump and underside of the tail, and black on the fronts of the legs and the tail tip.
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