Also known as Hunter’s hartebeest, it is a fascinating and critically endangered antelope native to the grasslands of Somalia and Kenya. What makes the hirola so distinct is its striking appearance: it has a slender build and long legs, ideal for the open grasslands it inhabits. Its coat is a sandy brown color, providing excellent camouflage in its dry savanna environment, and both males and females sport sharp, lyre-shaped horns, which can grow up to 70 centimeters (28 inches) long.

The hirola is distinguished by the white “spectacles” around its eyes, which are rimmed by white fur, contrasting beautifully against its brown body and setting it apart visually from other antelopes. Another distinctive feature is a white patch on its rump, extending from the tail base to the thighs.

Hirolas are herbivores and their diet primarily consists of grasses, though they will also eat herbs and shrubs depending on the availability during different seasons. They need very little water to survive, which is an adaptation to their often arid habitats. They are diurnal creatures, which means they are active during the day, spending most of their time grazing in the early morning and late afternoon.

One of the most interesting aspects of hirola behavior is their social structure. They are generally seen in small groups of 5 to 40 individuals, but these groups can occasionally merge into larger herds under favorable conditions. The social hierarchy within these groups is quite fluid, and leadership can change without much conflict.

Distribution

Country

Population est.

Status

Year

Comments

Kenya

2016

Somalia

2016

Presence Uncertain