The pronghorn antelope (or Antilocapra americana) is, in fact, not a true antelope. While the North American mammal occupies a similar environmental niche to antelopes – hence the same name being used – for this reason it is often simply referred to as the ‘pronghorn’. It has a tan coloured coat on its back and sides, a white underbelly, and white chevron-shaped markings on its neck. The species stands an average of 81 to 104cm tall at the shoulder, measuring between 1.3 and 1.5m in length. The males are also 10% larger than the females, have a distinct dark streak down their muzzle, and boast longer, thicker horns.
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Antilocapra americana
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pronghorn-antelope
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Animal Facts
Although colloquially called an 'antelope', the pronghorn is actually more closely related to giraffes and okapis.
Pronghorn antelope are the second fastest land animal after the cheetah and can run at 61mph. However, they can run at high speeds for much longer than the cheetah.
Pronghorn antelope have a lot of adaptations for speed and agility, including a large heart and lungs, light bones and shock-absorbent hooves.
Pronghorn antelope have white glossy hairs on their rump which stand up and catch the light when the pronghorn is alarmed, acting as a warning to other herd members.
Although this species can jump up to 6m in one bound, they prefer to crawl underneath obstacles rather than jump over them.