Sable
QUICK FACTS
Scientific Name
Hippotragus niger
Species Survival Plan
Yes
Habitat
Forest and grasslands
Predators
Young - lion, leopard and hyena
Adults - lion
Food
Grasses, herbs and foliage
Originally Native To
Southern Africa
Height
54 inches at shoulder
Weight
500 lb.
Characteristics
Antelope with dark coloration, white facial markings; 18 - 60 inch curving horns on both sexes; upstanding mane
Gestation Period
8 months
Offspring
1 calf
Birth Season
January - March
Lifespan
Wild 15 years
Captivity 18 years
Social Behavior
Territorial bull, gregarious herd of 15 - 25 females and young, bachelor herds of 10 - 25
About Sable
The sable antelope gets its name from the Russian word for “black.” Its coat is short and glossy for females and young sable. Their coloration is a rich chestnut with white facial markings and white on the belly and rump. For males, the brown coat is replaced with black beginning at three years of age.
Most herds consist of 15-25 females and young, but groups of 30-75 are not uncommon. The herd rests in an outward-facing circle to watch for danger while the young lie protected at the center.
A sable antelope will defend itself against lions by attacking with its horns and sharp-pointed hooves. A female sable is very aggressive and, as a result, there is a female hierarchy system based on seniority.
Young bulls begin to be harassed by territorial bulls at about 18 months of age, but usually manage to stay with the females until their coat darkens. Then, they join bachelor herds composed of 10-25 males ranging in age from 3-5 years.
A bachelor herd is an important unit in the social structure because it affords protection to young males until such time as they are ready to challenge for territories. Fights between sable are mainly a display of supremacy, very seldom causing any bodily harm.
Bulls stake out 3.5-square-mile territories during the rut by breaking off branches of trees and brush with their horns. In the wild, the dominance of bulls that have held territories for years impresses younger bulls. Young bulls will not take an older bull’s territory, even after winning the challenge, if the bull has held his territory for several years.
Bulls accompany herds routinely to urine test all females to determine their reproductive status. Males tend to raise their heads, open their mouths and retract the upper lip as part of the testing procedure. This is called exhibiting flehmen.
Gestation lasts eight months, and females seek seclusion before calving. They remain alone for a week or more before rejoining the herd.
The calf conceals itself in a thicket or dense grass stand. The mother returns twice a day to nurse the calf, which approaches her and then finds a new hiding place in order not to leave a scent trail which predators could follow.
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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.