Red Hartebeest (A. b. caama) in Etosha National Park, Namibia

The Hartebeest (Alcelaphus buselaphus) is a large antelope once inhabiting all African grasslands and savannahs. The species can be differentiated into a series of subspecies which differ markedly in their appearance, but readily interbreed where possible. The antelopes are largely grazers with broad-leaf foliage accounting for less than 5 % of their diet. While there are still large herds of hartebeests in Eastern and Southern Africa, some subspecies, such as the Western Hartebeest, are threatened. The vulnerability of the antelopes, which are known for their tasty meat, can be best exemplified by the Bubal Hartebeest. This subspecies once occurred in Northern Africa (mostly Morocco to Algeria), but vast herds were massacred in the 19th century by the French colonial army. The last known individual died in a zoo in Paris in 1923.

I have seen these graceful antelopes in the Etosha National Park, Namibia, in February 2007 as well as in the Pendjari National Park, Benin, in February 2012.

Red Hartebeest (A. b. caama) in Etosha National Park, Namibia

Red Hartebeest

Red Hartebeest

Red Hartebeest family

Red Hartebeest (A. b. caama) in Etosha National Park, Namibia

Western Hartebeest (A. b. major) in Pendjari National Park, Benin

Western Hartebeest (A. b. major) in Pendjari National Park, Benin

Western Hartebeest (A. b. major) in Pendjari National Park, Benin