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SPECIES

Syncerus caffer

African/Cape Buffalo

This member of the Big Five is considered by some hunters as the most dangerous and has been given chilling nicknames such as ‘the black death’ and ‘the widow maker’.

Its shoulder height can range from 1.0 to 1.7 m (3.3 to 5.6 ft) and its head-and-body length can range from 1.7 to 3.4 m (5.6 to 11.2 ft). Compared with other large bovids, it has a long but stocky body (the body length can exceed the wild water buffalo, which is heavier and taller) and short but thickset legs, resulting in a relatively short standing height. Cape buffaloes weigh 425 to 870 kg (937 to 1,918 lb) (males weigh about 100 kg (220 lb) more than females).

A characteristic feature of the horns of adult male African buffalo (southern and eastern populations) is that the bases come very close together, forming a shield referred to as a “boss”. From the base, the horns diverge downwards, then smoothly curve upwards and outwards and in some cases inwards and or backwards.

  • ROLAND WARD – 64″
  • ROLAND WARD RECORD – 91″ 5/8
  • SCI MINIMUM – 101″
  • SCI MIN. BOW – 90″

Papio ursinus

Baboon

The chacma baboon (Papio ursinus), also known as the Cape baboon, is, like all other baboons, from the Old world monkey family. It is one of the largest of all monkeys. Located primarily in southern Africa the chacma baboon has a wide variety of social behaviours, including a dominance hierarcy, collective foraging, adoption of young by females, and friendship pairings.

The chacma baboon is perhaps the longest species of monkey, with an adult body length of 50 to 115 cm (20 to 45 in) and tail length of 45 to 84 cm (18 to 33 in). It is also one of the heaviest; the male weighs from 21 to 45 kg (46 to 99 lb) with an average of 31.8 kg (70 lb).

The three subspecies are differentiated by size and color. The Cape chacma is a large, heavy, dark-brown, and has black feet. The gray-footed chacma is slightly smaller than the Cape chacma, lighter in color and build, and has gray feet. The Ruacana chacma generally appears to be a smaller, less darkly colored version of the Cape chacma.

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Damaliscus pygargus phillipsi

Blesbuck

They favour areas where there are wide open plains. They are most common in the central and eastern parts of South Africa, where large herds are commonly found. Blesbok occur only in South Africa.

  • Body length: 140–160 cm (4.6–5.2 ft)
  • Shoulder height: 85–100 cm (2.79–3.28 ft)
  • Tail length: 30–45 cm (12–18 in)
  • Weight: 55–80 kg (121–176 lb)

The belly, the inside of the buttocks and the area up to the base of the tail is white. Blesbok can be easily differentiated from other antelopes because they have a distinct white face and forehead. The blesbok differs from the bontebok by having less white on the coat and the blaze on the face, which is usually divided, the coat is also a lighter yellow than that of the bontebok.

  • ROLAND WARD – 16″ 4/8
  • ROLAND WARD RECORD – 20″ 5/8
  • SCI MINIMUM – 40″
  • SCI MIN. BOW – 35″

Tragelaphus sylvaticus

Bushbuck

It is found in a wide range of habitats, such as rain forests, montane forests, forest-savanna mosaic, savanna, bushveld, and woodland.

Its stands around 90 cm (35 in) at the shoulder and weigh from 45 to 80 kg (99 to 176 lb).

They have a light brown coat, with up to seven white stripes and white splotches on the sides. The white patches are usually geometrically shaped and on the most mobile parts of their bodies, such as the ears, chin, tail, legs, and necks. The muzzles are also white. Horns, found only on the males, can reach over half a metre and have a single twist.

The sporting pursuit of a trophy Bushbuck usually means taking whatever shot you can get, for with the right caliber and high-sectional density, controlled-expansion, roundnose-bullets these medium-size antelope can be shot from any angle.

  • ROLAND WARD – 15″
  • ROLAND WARD RECORD – 21″ 7/8
  • SCI MINIMUM – 31″
  • SCI MIN. BOW – 28″

Connochaetes taurinus

Blue Wildebeest

The Blue Wildebeest, or brindled gnu, as he is otherwise known as one of Africa’s strangest looking animals. They occur in abundance in the thorn veld regions of South Africa and are popular trophy animals.

Males typically weigh 165 to 290 kg (364 to 639 lb) and females weigh 140 to 260 kg (310 to 570 lb)

The blue wildebeest is typically 170–240 cm (67–94 in) in head-and-body length.

This broad-shouldered antelope has a muscular, front-heavy appearance, with a distinctive robust muzzle.

Both sexes possess a pair of large horns which are shaped like parentheses.

  • ROLAND WARD – 28″ 4/8
  • ROLAND WARD RECORD – 36″
  • SCI MINIMUM – 70″
  • SCI MIN. BOW – 54″

Connochaetes gnou

Black Wildebeest

The Blue Wildebeest, or brindled gnu, as he is otherwise known as one of Africa’s strangest looking animals. They occur in abundance in the thorn veld regions of South Africa and are popular trophy animals.

The black wildebeest is typically 170–220 cm (67–87 in) in head-and-body length, and the typical weight is 110–180 kg (240–400 lb). Males stand about 111–121 cm (44–48 in) at the shoulder, while the height of the females is 106–116 cm (42–46 in)

The black wildebeest has a dark brown or black coat, which is slightly paler in summer and coarser and shaggier in the winter.

Both sexes have strong horns that curve forward, resembling hooks, which are up to 78 cm (31 in) long. The horns have a broad base in mature males, and are flattened to form a protective shield.

  • ROLAND WARD – 28″ 4/8
  • ROLAND WARD RECORD – 36″
  • SCI MINIMUM – 72″
  • SCI MIN. BOW – 63″

Crocodylidae

Crocodile

Crocodiles or true crocodiles are large semiaquatic reptiles that live throughout the tropics in Africa, Asia, the Americas and Australia. The term crocodile is sometimes used even more loosely to include all extant members of the order Crocodilia, which includes the alligators and caimans (family Alligatoridae), the gharial and false gharial (family Gavialidae) among other extinct taxa.

Size greatly varies among species, from the dwarf crocodile to the saltwater crocodile. Species of the dwarf crocodile Osteolaemus grow to an adult size of just 1.5 to 1.9 m (4.9 to 6.2 ft), whereas the saltwater crocodile can grow to sizes over 6 m (20 ft) and weigh over 1,000 kg (2,200 lb). Several other large species can reach over 5.2 m (17 ft) long and weigh over 900 kg (2,000 lb).

A crocodile’s physical traits allow it to be a successful predator. Its external morphology is a sign of its aquatic and predatory lifestyle. Its streamlined body enables it to swim swiftly; it also tucks its feet to the side while swimming, making it faster by decreasing water resistance. Crocodiles have webbed feet which, though not used to propel them through the water, allow them to make fast turns and sudden moves in the water or initiate swimming. Webbed feet are an advantage in shallow water, where the animals sometimes move around by walking.

  • ROLAND WARD – 13’5″
  • ROLAND WARD RECORD – 17’9″
  • SCI MINIMUM – 9’7″
  • SCI MIN. BOW – 8’7″

Taurotragus oryx

Cape Eland

Elands are the largest spiral-horned antelopes. Also known as the southern eland or eland antelope, is a large-sized savannah and plains antelope found in East and Southern Africa.

An adult male is around 1.6 m (5.2 ft) tall at the shoulder (females are 20 cm (7.9 in) shorter) and can weigh up to 942 kg (2,077 lb) with a typical range of 500–600 kg (1,100–1,300 lb), 340–445 kg (750–981 lb) for females). It is the second-largest antelope in the world.

The name “eland” is Dutch for “elk” or “moose”. Their coat differs geographically, with elands in northern part of their range having distinctive markings (torso stripes, markings on legs, dark garters and a spinal crest) that are absent in the south.

  • ROLAND WARD – 35″
  • ROLAND WARD RECORD – 47″ 4/8
  • SCI MINIMUM – 77″
  • SCI MIN. BOW – 69″

Giraffa camelopardalis

Giraffe

The Giraffe is the largest ruminant and the tallest mammal on the planet. This tall ‘drink of water’ can top out at nearly 18 feet in the largest of males. Hunting giraffe can make for an extremely interesting and exciting stalk.

Fully grown giraffes stand 4.3–5.7 m (14–19 ft) tall, with males taller than females. The average weight is 1,192 kg (2,628 lb) for an adult male and 828 kg (1,825 lb) for an adult female

Both sexes have prominent horn-like structures called ossicones, which can reach 13.5 cm (5.3 in).

Males develop calcium deposits that form bumps on their skulls as they age. Multiple sinuses lighten a giraffe’s skull. However, as males age, their skulls become heavier and more club-like, helping them become more dominant in combat

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Tragelaphus strepsiceros

Kudu

When threatened, kudu will often run away rather than fight. Wounded bulls have been known to charge an attacker, hitting the attacker with their sturdy horn base rather than stabbing it. Wounded females can keep running for many miles without stopping to rest for more than a minute. They have a powerful kick and are capable of breaking a wild dog’s or jackal’s neck or back.

This is one of the largest species of antelope. Bulls weigh 190–270 kg (420–600 lb), with a maximum of 315 kg (694 lb), and stand up to 160 cm (63 in) tall at the shoulder. The ears of the greater kudu are large and round. Cows weigh 120–210 kg (260–460 lb) and stand as little as 100 cm (39 in) tall at the shoulder; they are hornless, without a beard or nose markings. The head-and-body length is 185–245 cm (6.07–8.04 ft), to which the tail may add a further 30–55 cm (12–22 in)

Greater kudus have a narrow body with long legs, and their coats can range from brown/bluish grey to reddish brown. They possess between 4 and 12 vertical white stripes along their torso. The head tends to be darker in colour than the rest of the body, and exhibits a small white chevron which runs between the eyes. Greater kudu bulls tend to be much larger than the cows, and vocalize much more, utilizing low grunts, clucks, humming, and gasping.

  • ROLAND WARD – 54″
  • ROLAND WARD RECORD – 73″ 7/8
  • SCI MINIMUM – 98″
  • SCI MIN. BOW – 89″

Aepyceros melampus

Impala (Rooibok)

Active mainly during the day, the impala may be gregarious or territorial depending upon the climate and geography. Three distinct social groups can be observed: the territorial males, bachelor herds and female herds. The impala is known for two characteristic leaps that constitute an anti-predator strategy.

 The impala reaches 70–92 cm (28–36 in) at the shoulder and weighs 40–76 kg (88–168 lb). 

Two subspecies are recognized—the grassland-dwelling common impala (sometimes referred to as the Kenyan impala), and the larger and darker black-faced impala, which lives in slightly more arid, scrubland environments. The male’s slender, lyre-shaped horns are 45–92 cm (18–36 in) long.

  • ROLAND WARD – 23″ 6/8
  • ROLAND WARD RECORD – 31″ 3/8
  • SCI MINIMUM – 52″
  • SCI MIN. BOW – 46″

Oryx gazella

Oryx (Gemsbuck)

The name gemsbok is from Afrikaans, which itself is from the Dutch word of the same spelling, meaning “male chamois”, composed of gems (“chamois”) + bok (“buck, male goat”). The Dutch gems is further from German Gämse (“chamois”). Although some superficial similarities in appearance (especially in the facial pattern) are noticed, the chamois and the oryx are not closely related. 

Gemsbok are the largest species in the genus Oryx. They stand about 1.2 m (4 ft) at the shoulder. The body length can vary from 190 to 240 cm (75 to 94 in) and the tail measures 45 to 90 cm (18 to 35 in). Male gemsbok can weigh between 180 and 240 kg (400 and 530 lb), while females weigh 100–210 kg (220–460 lb).

Gemsbok are light taupe to tan in color, with lighter patches toward the bottom rear of the rump. Their tails are long and black in color. A blackish stripe extends from the chin down the lower edge of the neck, through the juncture of the shoulder and leg along the lower flank of each side to the blackish section of the rear leg. They have muscular necks and shoulders, and their legs have white ‘socks’ with a black patch on the front of both the front legs, and both sexes have long, straight horns.

  • ROLAND WARD – 40″
  • ROLAND WARD RECORD – 49″ 4/8
  • SCI MINIMUM – 81″
  • SCI MIN. BOW – 72″

Tragelaphus angasii

Nyala

The lowland nyala or simply nyala (Tragelaphus angasii), is a spiral-horned antelope native to southern Africa. It is a species of the family Bovidae and genus Tragelaphus, previously placed in genus Nyala. It was first described in 1849 by George French Angas

The body length is 135–195 cm (53–77 in), and it weighs 55–140 kg (121–309 lb). The coat is maroon or rufous brown in females and juveniles, but grows a dark brown or slate grey, often tinged with blue, in adult males. Females and young males have ten or more white stripes on their sides. Only males have horns, 60–83 cm (24–33 in) long and yellow-tipped.

The nyala is mainly active in the early morning and the late afternoon. It generally browses during the day if temperatures are 20–30 °C (68–86 °F) and during the night in the rainy season. As a herbivore, the nyala feeds upon foliage, fruits and grasses, and requires sufficient fresh water. A shy animal, it prefers water holes rather than open spaces. The nyala does not show signs of territoriality, and individuals’ areas can overlap. They are very cautious creatures.

  • ROLAND WARD – 27″
  • ROLAND WARD RECORD – 34″ 4/8
  • SCI MINIMUM – 63″
  • SCI MIN. BOW – 56″

Sylvicapra grimmia

Common Duiker

The common duiker (Sylvicapra grimmia), also known as the gray duiker or bush duiker, is a small antelope and the only member of the genus Sylvicapra. This species is found everywhere in Africa south of the Sahara, excluding the Horn of Africa and the rainforests of the central and western parts of the continent.

It grows to about 50 cm (20 in) in height and generally weighs 12 to 25 kg (26 to 55 lb); although females are generally larger and heavier than the males. Only the male has horns and these can grow to 11 cm (4.3 in) long.

Colouration of this species varies widely over its vast geographic range. There are 14 subspecies described, ranging from chestnut in forested areas of Angola to grizzled gray in northern savannas and light brown shades in arid regions.

  • ROLAND WARD – 4″ 8/16
  • ROLAND WARD RECORD – 7″ 2/16
  • SCI MINIMUM – 11″
  • SCI MIN. BOW – 9″

Phacochoerus africanus

Warthog

The common warthog  is a wild member of the pig family (Suidae) found in grassland, savanna, and woodland in sub-Saharan Africa.In the past, it was commonly treated as a subspecies of P. aethiopicus, but today that scientific name is restricted to the desert warthog of northern Kenya, Somalia, and eastern Ethiopia.

The common warthog is a medium-sized species, with a head-and-body length ranging from 0.9 to 1.5 m (2 ft 11 in to 4 ft 11 in), and shoulder height from 63.5 to 85 cm (25.0 to 33.5 in). Females, at 45 to 75 kg (99 to 165 lb), are smaller and lighter than males, at 60 to 150 kg (130 to 330 lb).

Common warthog ivory is taken from the constantly growing canine teeth. The tusks, particularly the upper set, work in much the same way as elephant tusks with all designs scaled down. Tusks are carved predominantly for the tourist trade in eastern and southern Africa.

  • ROLAND WARD – 13″
  • ROLAND WARD RECORD – 24″
  • SCI MINIMUM – 29″
  • SCI MIN. BOW – 26″

Potamochoerus larvatus

Bushpig

The bushpig (Potamochoerus larvatus) is a member of the pig family that inhabits forests, woodland, riverine vegetation and cultivated areas in East and Southern Africa. Probably introduced populations are also present in Madagascar. There have also been unverified reports of their presence on the Comoro island of Mayotte. Bushpigs are mainly nocturnal. 

Adult bushpigs stand from 66 to 100 cm (26 to 39 in) at the shoulder, and mature boars can reach a weight of 150 kg (330 lb), although 60 to 80 kg (130 to 180 lb) is more common. Sows are 45 to 70 kg (99 to 154 lb)

Bushpigs vary in hair colour and skin colour over their range, southern koiropotamus and nyasae populations are dark reddish, sometimes almost black. The coat colour darkens with age. Their heads have a ‘face mask’ with a contrasting pattern of blackish to dark brown and white to dark grey markings, or may sometimes be completely whitish. The ears have tassels of long hairs. Their very sharp tusks are fairly short and inconspicuous. 

N/A

  • ROLAND WARD – 6″
  • ROLAND WARD RECORD – 9″
  • SCI MINIMUM – 12″
  • SCI MIN. BOW – 9″

Canis mesomelas

Jackal

Jackals are medium-sized canids native to Africa and Eurasia. While the word “jackal” has historically been used for many canines of the subtribe canina, in modern use it most commonly refers to three species: the closely related black-backed jackal (Lupulella mesomelas) and side-striped jackal (Lupulella adusta) of sub-Saharan Africa, and the golden jackal (Canis aureus) of south-central Europe and Asia.

It is similar to the closely related side-striped jackal and more distantly related to the golden jackal, though its skull and dentition are more robust and the incisors much sharper. It weighs 6–13 kg (13–29 lb), stands 38–48 cm (15–19 in) at the shoulder, and measures 67.3–81.2 cm (26.5–32.0 in) in body length.

The most lightly built jackal, once considered to be the oldest living member of the genus Canis, it is now placed in the genus Lupulella. It is the most aggressive of the jackals, being known to attack animal prey many times its own weight, and it has more quarrelsome intrapack relationships

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Alcelaphus buselaphus caama

Red Hartebeest

Alcelaphus buselaphus caama is a large African antelope of the family Bovidae, one of ten subspecies; it is sometimes treated as a separate species, A. caama. Commonly known as the red hartebeest, it is the most colorful hartebeest, with black markings contrasting against its white abdomen and behind. It has a longer face that other subspecies, with complex curving horns joined at the base

The average weight of a male is about 330 Pounds (150 kg), and female is 264 Pounds (120 kg). Their average shoulder height is 135 cm, and horns are 60 cm long.

Horn size, however, expresses more dimorphism between males and females, as males fight and defend themselves for sexual selection. Thus, male skull weight and circumference is slightly greater than that of the female. Hartebeests have an excellent sense of hearing and smell, although their sense of sight is poor. When alarmed, hartebeests flee, reaching a maximum speed of 55 km/h. Their evasion tactic is to induce confusion by running in a zigzag pattern, making it difficult for predators to catch them.

  • ROLAND WARD – 23″
  • ROLAND WARD RECORD – 29″ 4/8
  • SCI MINIMUM – 62″
  • SCI MIN. BOW – 53″

Equus quagga

Plains Zebra

The plains zebra (Equus quagga, formerly Equus burchellii), is the most common and geographically widespread species of zebra. Its range is fragmented, but spans much of southern and eastern Africa south of the Sahara. Six or seven subspecies have been recognised, including the extinct quagga which was thought to be a separate species. More recent research supports variations in zebra populations being clines rather than subspecies.

The plains zebra stands at a height of 127–140 cm (50–55 in) with a head-body length of 217–246 cm (85–97 in) and a tail length of 47–56.5 cm (18.5–22.2 in). Males weigh 220–322 kg (485–710 lb) while females weigh 175–250 kg (386–551 lb)

Like all zebras, they are boldly striped in black and white and no two individuals look exactly alike. Compared to other species, the plains zebra has broader stripes. The stripes are vertical on the fore part of the body, and tend towards the horizontal on the hindquarters. Northern zebra populations have narrower and more defined striping; southern populations have varied but lesser amounts of striping on the under parts, the legs and the hindquarters.

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Hippotragus equinus

Roan

The roan antelope is a large savanna-dwelling antelope found in western, central, and southern Africa. Named for its roan colour (a reddish brown), it has lighter underbellies, white eyebrows and cheeks and black faces, lighter in females.

It has short, erect manes, very light beards and prominent red nostrils. It is one of the largest antelope, measuring 190–240 cm (75–94 in) from head to the base of the tail, and a 37–48 cm (15–19 in) long tail. Males weigh 242–300 kg (534–661 lb) and females 223–280 kg (492–617 lb). Its shoulder height is around 130–140 cm (51–55 in)

Characteristic features include a short, erect mane of grayish brown hair extending from the back of the neck along the midline of the back up to the withers, white patches around the eyes and the mouth on the otherwise black face, and long, narrow ears with 3–5 cm (1.2–2.0 in) long tufts. The horns are ringed and arched backwards, which can reach 100 cm (39 in) long in males, slightly shorter in females. The long legs are supported by large hooves. The short, smooth coat is brown to amber. The ventral parts are yellow to white, while the neck and the manes are gray to black.

  • ROLAND WARD – 26″ 4/8
  • ROLAND WARD RECORD – 39″
  • SCI MINIMUM – 67″
  • SCI MIN. BOW – 59″

Oreotragus oreotragus

Klipspringer

The roan antelope is a large savanna-dwelling antelope found in western, central, and southern Africa. Named for its roan colour (a reddish brown), it has lighter underbellies, white eyebrows and cheeks and black faces, lighter in females.

The klipspringer is a small, sturdy antelope reaching 43–60 cm (17–23+1⁄2 in) at the shoulder. The head-and-body length is typically between 75 and 115 cm (30 and 45 in). It weighs from 8 to 18 kg (18 to 40 lb). The klipspringer is sexually dimorphic; females are slightly larger and heavier than the males. The tail measures 6.5–10.5 cm (2+1⁄2–4+1⁄4 in).

The coat of the klipspringer, yellowish gray to reddish brown, acts as an efficient camouflage in its rocky habitat; the underbelly is white. Unlike most other antelopes, the klipspringer has a thick and coarse coat with hollow, brittle hairs. The incisors might even get damaged by the hairs while grooming. However, the coat is a significant adaptation that saves the animal during steep falls and provides effective insulation in the extreme climates characteristic of its mountain habitat.

  • ROLAND WARD – 4″ 2/16
  • ROLAND WARD RECORD – 6″ 6/16
  • SCI MINIMUM – 10″
  • SCI MIN. BOW – 9″

Caracal caracal

Caracal

The caracal  is a medium-sized wild cat native to Africa, the Middle East, Central Asia, and arid areas of Pakistan and northwestern India. It is characterised by a robust build, long legs, a short face, long tufted ears, and long canine teeth. Its coat is uniformly reddish tan or sandy, while the ventral parts are lighter with small reddish markings.

It reaches 40–50 cm (16–20 in) at the shoulder and weighs 8–19 kg (18–42 lb).

The prominent facial features include the 4.5-cm-long black tufts on the ears, two black stripes from the forehead to the nose, the black outline of the mouth, the distinctive black facial markings, and the white patches surrounding the eyes and the mouth. The eyes appear to be narrowly open due to the lowered upper eyelid, probably an adaptation to shield the eyes from the sun’s glare.

  • N/A
  • ROLAND WARD – 7″
  • ROLAND WARD RECORD – 11″ 12/16
  • SCI MINIMUM – 6″
  • SCI MIN. BOW – 5″

Mellivora capensis

Honey Badger (Ratel)

The caracal  is a medium-sized wild cat native to Africa, the Middle East, Central Asia, and arid areas of Pakistan and northwestern India. It is characterised by a robust build, long legs, a short face, long tufted ears, and long canine teeth. Its coat is uniformly reddish tan or sandy, while the ventral parts are lighter with small reddish markings.

Adults measure 23 to 28 cm (9.1 to 11.0 in) in shoulder height and 55–77 cm (22–30 in) in body length, with the tail adding another 12–30 cm (4.7–11.8 in). Females are smaller than males. In Africa, males weigh 9 to 16 kg (20 to 35 lb) while females weigh 5 to 10 kg (11 to 22 lb) on average. The mean weight of adult honey badgers from different areas has been reported at anywhere between 6.4 to 12 kg (14 to 26 lb), with a median of roughly 9 kg (20 lb), per various studies

The honey badger has a fairly long body, but is distinctly thick-set and broad across the back. Its skin is remarkably loose, and allows the animal to turn and twist freely within it. The skin around the neck is 6 mm (0.24 in) thick, an adaptation to fighting conspecifics. The head is small and flat, with a short muzzle. The eyes are small, and the ears are little more than ridges on the skin, another possible adaptation to avoiding damage while fighting

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Civettictis civetta

African Civet

The African civet  is a large viverrid native to sub-Saharan Africa, where it is considered common and widely distributed in woodlands and secondary forests. It is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List since 2008. 

 Its long, curved claws are semi-retractile. Its head-and-body length is 67–84 cm (26–33 in), with a 34–47 cm (13–19 in) long tail. The average weight is 11 to 15 kg (24 to 33 lb) within a range of 7 to 20 kg (15 to 44 lb). It is the largest viverrid in Africa. Only the binturong is likely heavier among the world’s viverrids. Its shoulder height averages 40 cm (16 in).

The African civet has a coarse and wiry fur that varies in colour from white to creamy yellow to reddish on the back. The stripes, spots, and blotches are deep brown to black. Horizontal lines are prominent on the hind limbs, spots are normally present on its midsection and fade into vertical stripes above the forelimbs.

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Hippotragus niger

Sable Antelope

The sable antelope is a large antelope which inhabits wooded savanna in East and Southern Africa, from the south of Kenya to South Africa, with a separated population in Angola.

The sable antelope is sexually dimorphic, with the male heavier and about one-fifth taller than the female. The head-and-body length is typically between 190 and 255 cm (75 and 100 in). Males reach about 117–140 cm (46–55 in) at the shoulder, while females are slightly shorter. Males typically weigh 235 kg (518 lb) and females 220 kg (490 lb). The tail is 40–75 cm (16–30 in) long, with a tuft at the end

The sable antelope has a compact and robust build, characterized by a thick neck and tough skin. It has a well-developed and often upright mane on its neck, as well as a short mane on the throat. Its general colouration is rich chestnut to black. Females and juveniles are chestnut to dark brown, while males begin darkening and turn black after three years. However, in southern populations, females have a brown to black coat. Calves less than two months old are a light tan and show faint markings.

  • ROLAND WARD – 42″
  • ROLAND WARD RECORD – 55″ 3/8
  • SCI MINIMUM – 96″
  • SCI MIN. BOW – 86″

Kobus ellipsiprymnus

Waterbuck

Waterbucks are rather sedentary in nature. As gregarious animals, they may form herds consisting of six to 30 individuals. These groups are either nursery herds with females and their offspring or bachelor herds. The waterbuck cannot tolerate dehydration in hot weather, and thus inhabits areas close to sources of water. 

The head-and-body length is typically between 177 and 235 cm (70 and 93 in) and the typical height is between 120 and 136 cm (47 and 54 in). In this sexually dimorphic antelope, males are taller and heavier than females. Males reach roughly 127 cm (50 in) at the shoulder, while females reach 119 cm (47 in). Males typically weigh 198–262 kg (437–578 lb) and females 161–214 kg (355–472 lb). Their coat colour varies from brown to grey. The long, spiral horns, present only on males, curve backward, then forward, and are 55–99 cm (22–39 in) long.

The waterbuck has a robust build. The shaggy coat is reddish brown to grey, and becomes progressively darker with age. Males are darker than females. Though apparently thick, the hair is sparse on the coat. The hair on the neck is, however, long and shaggy. When sexually excited, the skin of the waterbuck secretes a greasy substance with the odour of musk, giving it the name “greasy kob”.

  • ROLAND WARD – 28″
  • ROLAND WARD RECORD – 39″ 3/8
  • SCI MINIMUM – 67″
  • SCI MIN. BOW – 60″

Raphicerus campestris

Steenbok

At the first sign of trouble, steenbok typically lie low in the vegetation. If a predator or perceived threat comes closer, a steenbok will leap away and follow a zigzag route to try to shake off the pursuer. Escaping steenbok frequently stop to look back, and flight is alternated with prostration during extended pursuit. 

Steenbok resemble small oribi, standing 45–60 cm (16″–24″) at the shoulder, and average ~12 kg.

Their coat is any shade from fawn to rufous, typically rather orange. The underside, including chin and throat, is white, as is the ring around the eye. Ears are large with “finger-marks” on the inside. 

  • ROLAND WARD – 1″ 8/16
  • ROLAND WARD RECORD – 7″ 10/16
  • SCI MINIMUM – 8″
  • SCI MIN. BOW – 7″ 3/16

Kobus leche

Lechwe

The lechwe, red lechwe, or southern lechwe is an antelope found in wetlands of south-central Africa. They use knee-deep water as protection from predators. Their legs are covered in a water-repellant substance which allows them to run quite fast in knee-deep water. 

Adult lechwe typically stand 90 to 100 cm (35 to 39 in) at the shoulder and generally weigh from 50 to 120 kg (110 to 260 lb), with males being larger than females.

They are golden brown with white bellies. Males are darker in colour, but exact hue and amount of blackish on the front legs, chest and body varies depending on subspecies. The long, spiral horns are vaguely lyre-shaped and borne only by males. The hind legs are somewhat longer in proportion than in other antelopes to ease long-distance running on marshy soil.

  • N/A
  • ROLAND WARD – 26″
  • ROLAND WARD RECORD – 29″ 4/8
  • SCI MINIMUM – 58″
  • SCI MIN. BOW – 52″

Hippopotamus amphibius

Hippopotamus

After elephants and rhinoceros, the hippopotamus is the next largest land mammal. It is also the largest extant land artiodactyl. Despite their physical resemblance to pigs and other terrestrial even-toed ungulates, the closest living relatives of the hippopotamids are cetaceans (whales, dolphins, porpoises, etc.), from which they diverged about 55 million years ago.

Hippos are recognisable for their barrel-shaped torsos, wide-opening mouths with large canine tusks, nearly hairless bodies, pillar-like legs, and large size: adults average 1,500 kg (3,300 lb) for bulls (males) and 1,300 kg (2,900 lb) for cows (females). Despite its stocky shape and short legs, it is capable of running 30 km/h (19 mph) over short distances.

Hippos have barrel-shaped bodies with short tails and legs, and an hourglass-shaped skull with a long snout. Their skeletal structures are graviportal, adapted to carrying their enormous weight, and their dense bones and low centre of gravity allows them to sink and move along the bottom of the water. Hippopotamuses have small legs (relative to other megafauna) because the water in which they live reduces the weight burden. The toes are webbed and the pelvis rests at an angle of 45 degrees. Though chubby-looking, hippos have little fat

  • ROLAND WARD – 24″
  • ROLAND WARD RECORD – 35″ 5/16
  • SCI MINIMUM – 50″
  • SCI MIN. BOW – 45″
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