Mammal · GBIF taxon 5706330
Alcelaphus caama
Alcelaphus caamaAlso known as Cape Hartebeest, Caama
Red hartebeests are large, sleek antelopes recognizable by their glossy reddish-brown coats, dark facial blazes, and deeply curved horns set on high crown pedicels. Built for endurance and speed over open arid terrain, they can reach speeds exceeding 70 km/h to outrun predators across southern African plains. Herds assemble in dynamic social groups led by territorial males that defend prime grazing patches.
GrazingSavannaFast Runner
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Grasses
- Foliage
- Shrub shoots
Predators
- Lions
- Leopards
- Cheetahs
ThreatsHabitat loss, livestock competition, and poaching
HabitatsArid grasslands, savannas, shrublands, and semi-deserts
Life span12–15 years in the wild
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- FamilyBovidae
- SpeciesAlcelaphus caama
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskHigh
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is high
- Large animal capable of dangerous kicking or goring if cornered; observe from a safe distance.
- Why it is dangerous
- Large body mass and sharp, lyre-shaped horns make them capable of inflicting severe gore wounds or heavy kicks if threatened.
- How to recognize a risky encounter
- Look for a reddish-brown coat, black facial markings, a steep sloping back, and tall horn stems.
- What to do
- Remain inside a safari vehicle or maintain a generous distance, never approaching animals on foot.
Responsible observation
- Keep Distance: Maintain a safe buffer of at least 50 meters, especially around herds with young calves.
- Use Binoculars: Observe their swift, zig-zag running gait from afar using field optics.
- Watch Waterholes: Visit water sources during dry spells for optimal herd viewing opportunities.
Frequent Companion Bernard Dupont / CC BY-SA 2.0 · CC BY-SA 2.0
Predator "African Lion" by Mathias Appel is marked with CC0 1.0. To view the terms, visit https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/. · cc0
Close Relative (c) Stefan Haag, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Stefan Haag · cc-by
Image unavailableClose Relative
Help improve the field guideSomething wrong?
Checking your Fauna account…Report a name, category, or profile issue for review.