A Rare Look at the Barrel-Chested Sable Antelope!

The sable antelope is popularly known for its sturdy, barrel-chested build, with a short neck and an elongated face, covered with a dark, flowing mane. Both male and female sable antelopes have ringed horns, which curve backward in an elegant manner.

When standing tall, with necks arched, heads high, and tails outstretched, these antelopes take on a horse-like look. What this means is that it is called the “flexed-neck position,” which is a characteristic display of strength and dominance. While galloping, male sable antelopes hold their heads high to show strength to maintain their position in the herd.

As these antelopes mature, their coat colors change in amazing ways. Most calves are born with reddish-brown coats and limited markings. As they mature, white markings appear on the face, and the coat darkens to produce striking contrast. This coloration becomes deeper with age, and some of the most striking animals in the savannah are old sable antelopes.

Socially, sable antelopes are organized into herds that are mainly composed of females but guided and defended by a dominant territorial male. This male plays an important role in the protection of the herd from rivals, in addition to asserting his dominance in displays of aggression that may even escalate to physical clashes using their powerful horns. It is usually males with premium territories that have the highest mating success since their capacity to attract and retain female groups makes much difference in their reproductive opportunities.

The home ranges of female herds often overlap the territories of dominant males. When a female group enters a male’s territory, he tries to keep them there, especially if any of the females are in heat. In some areas, breeding drives result in calves being born within two months, although the timing can vary according to environmental conditions.

Sable antelopes, by nature, are grazers. The main source of their feeding consists of grass. Nevertheless, they may consume herbs and leaves of shrubs and trees, especially during a lack of better food. One of the key resources for these animals is water. Rarely do these animals keep far away from it. Their dependency on water becomes particularly pointed in the dry season since, without access to water, their survival is completely in jeopardy.

The sable antelope is such an interesting animal due to its bodily size, strange social behavior, and adaptability to the conditions within which it exists. From dominating displays and nurturing their herd to grazing in proximity to a water source, antelopes represent the strength and beauty of savannah animals.