One of the most impressive antelopes found in East Africa is the sable. Because of habitat destruction and poaching, it is also one of the most endangered.
The sable is a rotund, barrel-chested antelope with a short neck, long face and dark mane. Both males and females have impressive ringed horns that rise vertically and curve backwards, and can reach up to 5.5 feet in length. When they arch their necks and stand with their head held high and tails outstretched, they resemble horses. This flexed-neck position makes sables appear larger than they really are. The males maintain this position even when they gallop, as the arched neck is an important manifestation of dominance.
As they grow older, sables change color. Calves are born a reddish-brown, with virtually no markings. As they age, the white markings appear and the rest of the coat gets darker—the older the animal, the more striking the contrast.
^ Back to top
Sables live in areas of light woodland-especially "miombo," a mixture of bush and grassland-but usually avoid open, grassy plains.
^ Back to top
Generally, the sable social structure is one of small female herds shepherded by a territorial male during the rainy season and a merging of groups sharing grazing pastures during the dry season.
Males with the best territories have the best mating success. The herds have home ranges that encompass several male territories. Once a female group wanders into a male's territory, he tries to keep it there, especially if any females are in estrus.
In some areas breeding females give birth during a two-month period, the timing of which changes slightly from year to year. When ready to give birth the female, often in the company of several other pregnant females, leaves the herd and seeks a secluded place in the bush. After birth she leaves the calf hidden in the tall grass or bush, returning once or twice a day to suckle the infant. After a couple of weeks, when the calf is strong enough, she takes it back to her herd.
As the calves obtain adult coloration, the territorial males and the females push the young males from the natal herd. The young females remain, taking their place at the bottom of the hierarchy.
^ Back to top
Sables mostly eat grass but at times will eat herbs and leaves from shrubs and trees. They are never found very far from water and are especially dependent upon it during the dry season.
^ Back to top
The sable’s tendency to settle near water in areas with good drainage and therefore good grazing brings it into conflict with humans who also value this type of land for agriculture and livestock.
Did You Know?
- A male regularly patrols his territory and engages in ritual displays. He paws the ground, deposits dung and horns the ground, spreading his scent around to make his presence known.
- Sables live in groups consisting of herds of females with their young, male bachelor groups and solitary dominant males. Age determines rank in the hierarchy.
^ Back to top
Back to Wildlife Gallery
