Africa Wild

The red hartebeest (Alcelaphus buselaphus caama or A. caama) is a species of even-toed ungulate in the Bovidae family and is closely related to the tsessebe and the topi. It is the least migratory alcelaphine. It also consumes the least amount of water and has the lowest metabolic rate among its tribal relatives.

Of the 8 subspecies of hartebeests described in Africa, the Red Hartebeest is the only one which occurs in South Africa.



The name Hartebeest was once thought to refer to the heart shaped curve of the horns. The accepted theory now is that the common name "hartebeest'" is derived from the Afrikaans hertebeest. The Dutch word hert means deer and beest translates to beast. The term hartebeest was used by the early Boers who thought the animals looked like a deer.

Distinctive features of the hartebeest that can be used to distinguish it from other antelopes include long legs (often with black markings), short neck, unusual horn shape, pointed ears, long face with black blaze, large chest and sharply sloping back.



Hartebeest live between 11 and 20 years in the wild, and up to 19 in captivity.
(All pics taken in KTP)

Little sexual dimorphism is noted between males and females, showing no distinct identifiable physical features, but body size is slightly affected. Horn size, however, expresses more dimorphism between males and females, as adult bulls are territorial and fight to defend themselves for sexual selection. Thus, male skull weight and circumference is slightly greater than that of the female.





Hartebeest are social animals that form herds of 20 to 300 individuals. Harem herds consist of cows, young animals, and a territorial bull. Bachelor herds are also found.

Red Hartebeest have a gestation period of eight months, and they give birth to single calves.



They typically give birth in a seasonal pattern before the summer rain begins. After birth, calves are hidden in dense vegetation before joining a group to increase their chances of survival from predators. Most females begin breeding after the age of two, and can conceive again 9 or 10 months after giving birth.



The eight hartebeest subspecies are listed under different conservation statuses by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). However, on the whole, the species hartebeest is classified as of Least Concern. The red hartebeest is the most widespread, with increasing numbers after its reintroduction into protected and private areas. Population numbers are believed to be greater than 130,000 individuals.

Great info and pics ExFmem.

The Red Hartebeest is widespread in South Africa (apart from Kruger) This chap was at Carol's Rest Addo

Red Hartebeest in Pilanesberg

Strange faces! but I have always found that the hide is beautiful, especially in the sun

That hornless one looks like he was in an accident!

KTP - Nov. 2017

The little ones are very cute.