The sable antelope gets its name from the Russian word for “black”. Their coat is short and glossy with females and young a rich chestnut with white facial markings and white on the belly and the rump. In males, the brown coat is replaced with black beginning at 3 years of age.
Herds consist of 15-25 females and young, but groups of 30–75 are not uncommon. The herd rests in an outward-facing circle to watch for danger while the young lie protected at the center. A Sable antelope will defend itself against lions by attacking with their horns and sharp pointed hooves. Female sable antelope are very aggressive and as a result, there is a female hierarchy system based on seniority.
Often the other males gather in separate herds. Young bulls begin to be harassed by territorial bulls at about 18 months of age but usually manage to stay with the females until their coat darkens which usually is in the fourth year. They then join bachelor herds composed of 10-25 males ranging in age from 3-5 years. A bachelor herd is an important unit in the social structure in that it affords protection to young males until such time as they are ready to challenge for territories. Fights between sable are more a display of supremacy, very seldom causing any bodily harm.
Bulls stake out 3 ½ square mile territories during the rut by breaking off branches of trees and brushes with horns. In the wild, the dominance of bulls that have held territories for years impresses younger bulls. Young bulls will not take an older bulls territory, even after winning the challenge, if the bull has had his territory for several years.
Bulls accompany herds routinely to urine test all females to determine their reproductive status. Males tend to raise their heads, open their mouths and retract the upper lip as part of the testing procedure. This is called exhibiting flehmen.
Gestation is 8 months. Females seek seclusion before calving. They remain alone for a week or more before rejoining the herd. The calf conceals itself in a thicket or dense stand of grass. The mother returns twice a day to nurse the calf, which approaches her and then finds a new hiding place in order not to leave a scent trail which predators could follow. |
