Hirola: a two-minute wildlife lesson

More African Antelopes · day 4 of 7

Five facts

1. The hirola is nicknamed the "four-eyed antelope". Big dark glands under its eyes look like a second pair, and it uses them to mark its land.
2. Hirola live in dry country yet seem able to do without surface water. In one study, they were seen drinking just 10 times in 674 sightings.
3. A hirola mother gives birth alone. She may keep apart from the herd for as long as two months, then joins a group of mothers and young.
4. When no other hirola are around, a young one may join a herd of Grant's gazelles for company.
5. The hirola is the last living member of its genus. Only 300 to 500 remain, and losing them would wipe out a whole mammal genus in mainland Africa.

The quiz

1. Why is the hirola called the "four-eyed antelope"?

• It has dark glands under its eyes (correct)
• It has two spots on its tail
• It can see behind its head
• It wears white rings on its legs

Its large, dark glands below the eyes give it this nickname.

2. In one study, how often were hirola seen drinking?

• Every hour
• Only 10 times in 674 sightings (correct)
• Twice a day
• Every time they were seen

They were seen drinking on only 10 of 674 occasions.

3. What does a hirola mother do after giving birth?

• Leaves the calf with its father
• Carries it in her mouth
• May stay away from the herd for up to two months (correct)
• Returns to the herd the same hour

She gives birth alone and may live apart from the herd for as long as two months.

4. Which animals may a lonely young hirola join?

• Elephants
• African buffalo
• Coke's hartebeest
• Grant's gazelles (correct)

With no other hirola around, young ones may tag along with Grant's gazelles.

5. Roughly how many hirola are left in the wild?

• About 50,000
• About 1 million
• 300 to 500 (correct)
• Around 20,000

The global population is estimated at 300 to 500 animals.

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