The Coke’s Hartebeest (Alcelaphus buselaphus cokii) is a large African migratory ungulate and grazing antelope. It is also called a Kongoni.
The Coke’s Hartebeest has a long, narrow face, pointed ears, long legs, a sloping back, and ridged horns. It has a short, glossy reddish-brown coat of fur and a short tail with a black tuft (clump of hair).
Coke’s Hartebeest
It can grow to about one metre (44 inches) tall. Its horns can reach lengths of 45–70 cm (18–28 inches).
The Coke’s Hartebeest forms herds of 20 to 300 individuals. Females often fight for dominance in the herd, and males and females will also fight.
They prefer dry wooded grasslands, but will migrate to dry places after rainfall. They are found in Kenya and northern Tanzania.
Coke’s Hartebeest
They are grazers, with their diets consisting mainly of grasses. They are diurnal, which means that they are active during the day. While feeding, one will be alert for danger, to protect the herd. Often to do this, it will stand on a termite mound.
Its predators include lions, leopards, hyenas, cheetahs, jackals, and crocodiles.
Both males and females are ready to mate when they are one to two years old. Females are pregnant for 8-9 month, before giving birth to a single live young. The lifespan is 12 to 15 years.
Coke’s Hartebeest
Coke’s Hartebeest
Coke’s Hartebeest
Coke’s Hartebeest
Photographer: Martina Nicolls
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