Species Overview

Kingdom: Animalia

Phylum: Chordata

Class: Mammalia

Order: Artiodactyla

Family: Bovidae

Genus: Hippotragus

Species: Hippotragus equinus

Life Span: 15–20 years (in the wild)

Weight: 200–300 kg (440–660 lbs)

Height: 1.2–1.4 meters (4–4.6 feet) at the shoulder

Length: 2.4–2.7 meters (7.9–8.9 feet) (including tail)

Animal Behavior and Habits

Activity: Diurnal – Roan antelopes are primarily active during the day, grazing in the early morning and late afternoon, while resting during the hotter midday hours.

Feeding Habits: Herbivorous – they feed on grasses, herbs, and shrubs. Roan antelopes prefer short, nutritious grasses and will graze in areas with ample forage.

Social Structure: Social – they live in groups, typically consisting of 5–20 individuals, led by a dominant female. Males are often solitary or form small bachelor groups.

Hunting Approach: Roan antelopes are not usually aggressive but are strong and resilient, known to defend themselves with their sharp horns. They rely on speed and agility to escape predators, making them difficult to catch.

Habitat and Environment

Preferred Habitat: Savannas, grasslands, and open woodlands. Roan antelopes favor areas with a mix of dense vegetation and open spaces for grazing.

Water Sources: Roan antelopes need regular access to water and are often found near rivers, lakes, or waterholes.

Best Hunting Locations: Look for them in open savannas or grasslands, especially near water sources. They prefer areas with tall grasses for cover and open spaces to graze.

Tracks and Trails: Roan antelope tracks are larger than smaller antelope species, with oval-shaped impressions from their hooves. Tracks can be found in grassy or sandy areas near grazing grounds or water.

Signs: Look for grazing areas where grasses are cropped short. Droppings are often found in clusters near waterholes or feeding grounds.

Hunting Time

Ideal Hunting Times: Early morning and late afternoon – these are the cooler parts of the day when Roan antelopes are most active and feeding.

Breeding Season: Roan antelopes breed year-round, with females giving birth to a single calf after a gestation period of about 9 months. Calves are typically born in the wet season when food is more abundant.

Trophy Quality: Trophy hunting for Roan antelope typically focuses on large males with well-developed, long, and straight horns. Their horns are generally slightly curved backward.

Use of Scent Lures: Scent lures are rarely used in hunting Roan antelope. Hunting near water sources or grazing grounds, especially during cooler times of day, is more effective.