The hirola, a large antelope from Africa, is the last living
species of the genus Beatragus. Conservation efforts are under way in Kenya
but may not be enough to save the hirola from extinction. It has many predators and has been unable to
successfully breed in captivity. The
last genus to go extinct was Thylacinus in 1936 when the last Tasmanian
tiger died.
Hirola Facts
The hirola is a member of the family Bovidae and has relatives including antelope, cattle, goats, and
sheep. A white chevron, or line between
the eyes, appears on the hirola's head - it looks like it's wearing
glasses! It is known as the four-eyed
antelope for another reason - the prevalent preorbital glands on its face. Its long, curved horns are ringed.
Hirola live for about 10 years in captivity. The habitat of this species is located on the
border between Kenya and Somalia; it's not known if any hirola still exist in
Somalia.
Decline of a Species
Although the population is officially estimated to be
between 600 and 2,000 animals, National Geographic reported that
conservationists believe fewer than 400 hirola remain. The species' numbers have declined by about
15% in the past year.
An epidemic of rinderpest, a viral disease, occurred between
1983 and 1985 and affected domestic livestock in the region where hirola
live. The disease was likely transmitted
to the hirola population. They have also
suffered from drought.
Predators are one of the main reasons for the decline of the
hirola but other reasons are suspect:
- African lions
- African wild dogs
- Lack of available grazing
- Poaching
- Human settlement
Conservation
The hirola have been a protected species in Kenya since
1971. Enforcement of this protection has
not been strong and poaching is common.
Hirola are relocated to sanctuaries from areas that may no
longer be suitable for them. One
consideration is that because hirola are free-ranging animals, conservancy in a
park-type setting may not work. They are
naturally nomads with a mobile habitat. There
is a population of about 100 hirola in the
Tsavo East National Park.
Resources:
http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2011/11/111108-hirolas-extinct-genus-animals-science-africa-antelopes/
http://www.edgeofexistence.org/mammals/species_info.php?id=37
http://www.theanimalfiles.com/mammals/hoofed_mammals/hirola.html [image]
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Re: A Genus May Become Extinct – The Endangered Hirola
