antelope

Antelope is a common name for a broad group of medium to large herbivorous, even-toed ungulates in the family Bovidae. They do not form a single taxonomic unit; instead, they comprise many genera and species spread across Africa and parts of Asia, united by adaptations for fast running, agility, and grazing or browsing.

Antelopes occupy a wide range of habitats, from savannas and grasslands to woodlands, deserts, and montane regions. They are often adapted to open country where speed and quick turns help evade predators, and many species undertake seasonal migrations or align with rainfall and forage availability.

Morphology varies widely. Most have slender bodies and long legs suited to running; many species possess horns, typically present in males and often in females as well, depending on the species. Size ranges from the smaller gazelle-sized antelopes to larger species such as the elands. Their diets are primarily grasses, with many also consuming shrubs and leaves as available.

Social behavior likewise varies; many antelopes form herds that range from a few individuals to several thousand in certain species. Reproduction is often seasonal, with gestation periods around six to nine months and typically one calf per cycle. Predators include large carnivores such as lions and cheetahs, as well as hyenas and wild dogs. Antelopes have evolved speed, agility, and, in some species, alarm signaling to escape danger.

Conservation status is uneven. Some species are common, while others are threatened or endangered due to habitat loss, hunting, and poaching for meat or horns. Notable endangered examples include the saiga antelope of Central Asia and the addax of the Sahara. Protected areas, anti-poaching measures, and international trade controls contribute to recovery in many populations.