Hartebeest: a two-minute wildlife lesson

Antelopes of Africa · day 1 of 7

Five facts

1. While the herd eats, one hartebeest keeps watch, often climbing onto a termite mound to see farther.
2. When danger comes, one animal suddenly bolts and the whole herd runs after it, lined up in single file.
3. Its long, thin muzzle can nip short grass blades and still get good food from old, tall grass, so it eats well even in the dry season.
4. Herds usually hold up to 300 animals, but where grass is plentiful many more gather. In 1963, 10,000 were seen together in Botswana.
5. Its name may come from an old Dutch word meaning 'deer beast', because early Dutch settlers thought it looked like a deer.

The quiz

1. Where does the hartebeest on lookout duty often stand?

• In a river
• On a termite mound (correct)
• Inside a cave
• In a tree

It often stands on a termite mound to see farther.

2. How does a hartebeest herd run from danger?

• Each animal in a different direction
• In a tight circle
• In single file (correct)
• Backwards

The whole herd flees in single file after one animal starts off.

3. What helps the hartebeest eat well even in the dry season?

• Its long, thin muzzle (correct)
• Its long tongue for licking tree sap
• Climbing trees for leaves
• Digging up insects

Its long thin muzzle lets it feed on short grass and get food from old tall grass.

4. How many hartebeest were seen together in Botswana in 1963?

• 30
• 300
• 1,000
• 10,000 (correct)

A gathering of 10,000 animals was recorded near Sekoma Pan.

5. What does the old Dutch word behind 'hartebeest' mean?

• Fast runner
• Deer beast (correct)
• Long face
• Grass eater

Hertebeest literally meant deer beast, as settlers thought it looked like a deer.

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