About the Red Hartebeest
General Information
The red hartebeest is a striking, highly adapted antelope native to the arid savannas and open grasslands of Southern Africa. Recognizable by its steeply sloping back and long, narrow snout, it features a distinct reddish-fawn coat accented with bold black markings and a bright white rump. Both males and females boast uniquely heavy, complex, and ringed V-shaped horns.
Beyond their unique appearance, red hartebeests are renowned as some of the fastest and most enduring runners on the African continent. Capable of reaching speeds between 34 to 43 mph, they rely heavily on their stamina to outpace predators like cheetahs and lions. When fleeing, they employ an evasive zigzag running pattern designed to disorient and confuse threats.
As strict herbivores, they are highly selective grazers that thrive in dry, arid environments. They can survive for long periods without drinking open water, efficiently extracting all the moisture they need directly from the grasses and plants they forage. Highly social, they typically roam in small to moderate herds of 6 to 20 animals, though herds numbering in the hundreds can occasionally be found in ideal, nutrient-rich habitats.
Description of the Red Hartebeest
- Mass: 308 to 440 lbs. for males, and 220 to 308 lbs. for females.
- Shoulder Height: 3.9 to 4.9 feet.
- Body Length: 5.7 to 8.0 feet.
- Tail Length: 16 to 28 inches, ending in a distinct black tuft.
- Horns: Present in both sexes. They are heavy, heavily ringed, and sweep backward before curving sharply forward at the tips. Male horns are generally thicker and broader at the base.
- Coloration: A brilliant reddish-fawn and golden-brown, with prominent contrasting black markings on the forehead, the outer edges of all four legs, and the shoulders. The lower portion of the rump and the backs of the upper thighs are notably pale or off-white.
- Face & Build: They possess one of the longest, narrowest heads of any African antelope, coupled with long, slender legs designed for endurance and high-speed running.
Suitable Weapons
Rifles chambered from the 6.5 mm and up work well for the red hartebeest species.
Hunting Area
The best countries to hunt red hartebeest are: South Africa, Namibia, and Botswana.
