Roan
QUICK FACTS
Scientific Name
Hippotragus equinus
Species Survival Plan
Yes
Habitat
Lightly wooded country and grasslands
Predators
Lion, leopard, spotted hyena and Cape hunting dog
Food
Medium-high grasses and rarely leaves
Originally Native To
Central and southern Africa
Height
54 - 64 inches at shoulders
Weight
495 - 660 lb.
Characteristics
Upper parts are roan colored, lower parts are white, facial mask; horns found in both sexes
Gestation Period
9 - 9.5 months
Offspring
1 calf
Birth Season
Any month
Lifespan
Wild ?
Captivity 17 years
Social Behavior
Harem groups, single dominant male, 6 - 15 animals
About Roan
Roan, the fourth-largest antelopes in Africa, are usually active in the morning, late afternoon and evening. The roan is associated with woodland savannas, but is less a woodland dweller and more of a grassland species. They are selective grazers on perennial grasses, and the herds will concentrate near water during the dry season.
Like most horse antelopes, they are gregarious and territorial. Females occupy a home range encompassing the territories of several males.
Immature males associate in bachelor herds. Herd sizes are smaller for roan than similar antelopes, and they maintain a greater individual distance apart.
A female dominance hierarchy, with the oldest cows holding the highest ranks, is maintained by frequent, low-intensity aggression. Occasionally, young animals will form groups that can stay separated from groups of older animals, including their mothers, for hours or even days at a time.
This suggests that bonds between calves may be stronger than the mother/offspring bond. Immature males are tolerated by the females until they are 2-2.5 years old.
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ANYTHING YOU GIVE HELPS THE ANIMALS
As a private nonprofit corporation, Fossil Rim does not receive national or state government support. Every cent spent or donated here goes in some way, directly or indirectly, toward the care of our animals.