The American antelope is not an antelope, but it is very similar to its African and Eurasian relatives. Unfortunately, its subspecies is in grave danger of extinction.
By 1900, the American antelope was almost extinct, but CONSERVATION and management measures ensured its survival. Reintroduced and rigorously protected, it is again very present in the western United States.
It is probably because of the American Leopard, an extinct species, that the American antelope is now the fastest mammal in North America (Corel Professional Photos).
Classification
American antelope (Ord 1815) - Antilocapra americana
Order: Artiodactyla
Family: Antilocapridae
Genus: Antilocapra
Height: 1.00 to 1.50 m (height at withers 0.80 to 1.00 m -
length of horns 0.10 to 0.30 m)
Weight: 40 to 60 kg
Longevity: 9 years
Description of the American antelope
Also called antilocapre, the American antelope has a
generally fawn, reddish brown or coppery coat on top. The ventral part, the
inside of the limbs, an area between the shoulders and hips, the underside of
the jaws, the escutcheon, a crescent-shaped spot on the throat and croup are
white. He wears a mane behind his neck that he erects in case of danger. The
male has a black mask and black spots on the neck. Its horns curve in the shape
of a heart and fall off every year. Its slender body is extended by four thin
legs cut for running. These are terminated by split hooves lined with pads that
cushion shocks during cavalcades whose strides can reach 8 meters. The eyes
placed on the side of the head give him a panoramic vision. It can detect a
threat from several kilometers around.
Habitat of the American antelope
The pronghorn is a typically North American species. Before
the arrival of the Whites their population was estimated at nearly 35 million
individuals. Today, only 500,000 remain scattered from southern Alberta to Baja
California along the entire western side of The Rocky Mountains. It occupies
very varied environments up to 3,300 meters above sea level with the exception
of coniferous woods.
Behaviour of the American antelope
The American antelope is gregarious and moves in large herds
of up to a thousand head in winter. In summer, the groups are smaller but they
travel several kilometers daily in search of food. In case of danger, it erects
its mane or secretes a specific odor using one of its glands. It is the fastest
animal in the north of the continent because its course can reach 86 km/h
over a few hundred meters. The popper can travel hundreds of kilometers during
migrations across the Great Plains.
Reproduction of the American antelope
Harems composed of two to fifteen females are the
prerogative of dominant males. These mark their territory with the help of the
substance contained in the subauricular glands. Gestation lasts an average of
252 days and it is common for the female to give birth to two young that weigh
nearly 4 kilos at birth on territories well provided with food. From the age of
2 days, the fawn is able to run faster than a horse, but it does not have the
endurance of adults. It therefore remains hidden in the tall grass for almost a
month, and it is in contact with its mother for breastfeeding only for a period
not exceeding 25 minutes to avoid attracting the attention of predators.
Breastfeeding, grooming and weaning takes place over four or five months under
the same conditions of isolation. The young reach sexual maturity around 15 or
16 months.
Diet of the American antelope
The diet of the American antelope changes according to
regions and climate. It prefers succulent grasses to grasses, shrub branches,
leaves and buds and even young cacti. It can also look for food in crops...
Threats to the American antelope
The antelope was almost exterminated in the early nineteenth century. Its estimated population of between 35 and 60 million had dropped to 15,000 in 1915 because of the excessive hunting of which it was a victim. American antelope and bison, same fight... Thanks to a moral leap from the authorities, the species was protected by a moratorium on hunting in 1940. Nowadays the numbers of the five subspecies recorded have risen to 500,000 individuals. The most common causes of death are collisions with vehicles. The population of Mexico is fragile because it numbers only 1,200 individuals.
An animal as beautiful as it is mysterious
The American antelope is a clear example of parallel evolution, since it occupies the same ecological niche of antelopes, typical of the African and Eurasian regions. Although it diverged from these mammals, thousands of years ago, antelope and American antelope have many common characteristics.
In addition, it should be noted that this species is the symbol of the American Society of Mammalogists (ASM), due to its ecological importance and fame in the United States. Although normal populations are healthy, it should not be forgotten that its subspecies is now in serious danger.
Evolution
The speed of the American antelope, unmatched in the world of MAMMALS, reflects the harsh predatory regime under which American ungulates have evolved. The now extinct American cheetah probably determined its evolution, as did the PRAIRIE environment, with its grass fires, blizzards, droughts and floods. As a result, the species is very gregarious, has a short life expectancy and has large, wide eyes and a large brain that testifies to its ability to adapt and learn.
Individuals of both sexes move together and travel easily hundreds of kilometres to avoid poor winter conditions or leave fire-ravaged areas. The very high reproduction rate of the species (twins are the rule) allows it to recover quickly from the many mortalities due to blizzards, drownings or fires. Its reproduction is unique in that 5 to 7 embryos implant in the uterus of the female after mating. This is followed by competition between embryos, of which only two survive, each in its respective uterine horn. The growth of the horns of this animal is very unusual. Indeed, the case covered with velvet falls after the annual rutting period before growing back on the bony ankle, and this, ascending and descending.
Description
Like other species of ungulates of the plains, the antelope of America has a coat of very contrasting colors. The male and female are the same size and appearance. After the rutting season, when the male loses his cases, he looks like the female, and predators have trouble spotting him. The loss of the sheath is unusual, since all bovids have a permanent sheath. During the rut, the male is territorial in some populations and forms a harem in others. Its habits are similar to those of the Siberian roe deer.
إرسال تعليق