The Jacksons hartebeest in Uganda is one of biggest antelope in savannah, Jackson’s hartebeest is a large antelope which ranges between 100-200kg and stands just over 1 meter at the shoulder. It can be recognized by its elongated forehead and curiously shaped horns that curve backwards and can exceed a length of 40cm.
The Jackson’s hartebeest is a large antelope species commonly found in Uganda, particularly in the Murchison Falls National Park and Kidepo Valley National Park; it’s recognized by its distinctive elongated forehead, curving horns, and tan-colored coat, and is known for its social behavior, often living in large herds of up to 300 individuals with a hierarchy including territorial males, non-territorial males, females with young, and young males.
The Hartebeest formerly ranged from North Africa and the Middle East through the savannas and grasslands of sub-Saharan Africa and south-central Africa down to the southern Africa tip. But now their range has been drastically reduced and primarily exists only in sub-Saharan Africa.
The hartebeest is a sociable animal and it typically forms herds of 30-200 individuals. It is a cross between 2 subspecies of hartebeest: the Lelwel and Coke’s hartebeest.
Despite their large stature, the Jackson hartebeest is not very aggressive. The hartebeest is highly alert, and one animal always stay stand on guard when the herd is grazing. The hartebeest is easily forgotten and can do sadden running and stops.
Adult hartebeest are preyed upon by lions, leopards, hyenas and wild dogs; cheetahs and jackals target juveniles. Crocodiles may also prey on hartebeest. The thin long legs of the hartebeest provide for a quick escape in an open habitat; if attacked, the formidable horns are used to ward off the predator.
Their horns are primarily used to ward off predators, but males also use them to establish dominance during the breeding season. The clashing of Swayne’s hartebeest horns is so loud that it can be heard from hundreds of meters away.
Breeding occurs nearly entirely in Uganda around May of the year, at the conclusion of the rainy season. In some locations, it may last the entire year. After 8 month gestation period, a single calf is born. Nutrition affects growth rates, some people reach sexual maturity at one year while others take up to three and half years.
The life expectancy of the Jacksons hartebeest goes up to 19 years in the wild but can go up to 25 years in protected area like the Zoo.
