Tswalu Game Reserve
Sable antelope (Hippotragus niger)
When we were heading to the Kalahari Gemsbok Park in December, we took the long dirt road.. adventure time.. tyre blow out and all.. which if you missed the post CLICK HERE… However on this road one passes the Oppenheimer’s (of diamonds and DeBeers fame) farm Tswalu. this is a magical place that I wish we could afford to visit, but if you want to read a bit about their conservation and farm CLICK HERE…
Whilst passing along the road next to their game fencing I spotted these Sable antelope.. unfortunately there seemed to be no male in sight, as he is the magnificent beast of the two.. Men Rule in the animal kingdom… but I borrowed this photo from Wikipedia…
The sable antelope is a large species. It ranges from 117 to 143 cm (46 to 56 in) tall at the shoulder and measures 190 to 255 cm (75 to 100 in) long, not counting a tail of 37–76 cm (15–30 in). Sable antelope can weigh from 150 to 270 kg (330 to 600 lbs.)
The males is bigger than the female and his horns can reach a length of 110 cm (44in) and the females 100 cm (39 in).
The Sable male has a harem of between 10 and 30 females, so this group we saw would have had one male and unfortunately he was nowhere to be seen and with electrified fencing, I certainly was not going to look for him.
They feed on grasses and leaves and in the heat of the day normally lie up in the shade…
I am of the opinion that they are on the endangered list, so the Oppenheimer family are doing there bit to save the antelope… well done Oppenheimers.. maybe they will read this and allow me to come on the farm for a day to just take photos… one is allowed to dream…
Here are the photos I took through the fence of the females we saw……
The Photographic Journey of bulldog. 
Wow, that’s quite a face! It looks painted.
Great shots as usual!
Thank you…
They are lovely indeed, Bulldog. The male must truly be awesome looking if he is so much more handsome! Thank you for sharing!
Thanks Penny.. the male is a strong looking regal fellow with the blackest of coloured coat, and the long sweeping horns… magnificent to see in the wild…
Beautiful beasts but I certainly wouldn’t want to tussle with one. 😉
They are beautiful.. but long as you’re not a lion I think your safe..
My birthday is in August and I am a Leo, so I believe I might be in trouble as I am a lion. 😉
10-30 females…I feel for him. We only saw one of these when we were in Botswana. such a shame since they are so beautiful.
They are the most magnificent animals when you get a male in his prime… he is actually frightening…
Beautiful animals, such graceful-looking horns… but vicious fighters when the need arises!
That is for sure.. as many a lion can attest too…
Really impressive antelope. Wicked weapons. If one of those became aggressive I would be out of there, at speed.
And I’d be right in front of you…. as long as you can outrun your companion you’re safe…
What beautiful, graceful animals.Thanks for letting me visit the Sable Antelope for a few minutes…
It is indeed a pleasure for me… who knew when I started this blog so that the kids spread far and wide could see what I was up to… could bring such pleasure and enjoyment to so many others… I love it,,,
Thank you for such a pointed post, bulldog.
Russ
Thank you Russ…
Well……….there you have it………just so majestic and wonderful…Thank God people are trying to take care of them….They must have the biggest hearts to go to such expense…Thanks for sharing this 🙂
Fortunately they have the deepest of pockets as well… and that does make it easier…
Truly magnificent creatures. We humans really need to protect the wild animal life on this planet. It’s all we’ve got. Great photos too!
Good point DH.. but in parts of Africa now they are not seen for their people pulling power in the form of tourists but just as a piece of meat on a plate or a pair of horns on a wall….
Sad but true…
So gorgeous! Thanks for sharing bulldog. 🙂
Thanks Sonel… a pleasure for me…
These beautiful female sable antelopes look strong and independent. Hoping they thrive in abundance also!
I’m sure they will .. specially with the aid they now have…
I really hope you get an invitation to the Oppenheimers, Bulldog. What fabulous work they are doing 😀
I agree Dianne .. nice to know that these people actually care…
They are beautiful!
thank you..
I say well done to the Oppenheimers too…they should allow you on their farm 🙂
Thank you.. I agree…
Those males must be awfully tired 😉
No they are quite big bulls with plenty of energy… have to be to handle all that female nonsense..
Did he just say nonsense?
They look independent and strong, impressive. I hope these beautiful animals will thrive in abundance.
With the efforts being made by conservationist.. I think their future is going to be alright…
such proud, strong females these sable antelopes…my guess is the male was scared off by them! 😉
He saw me coming and felt he didn’t want to show his ladies in a bad light with his beauty…
Absolutely beautiful. Thank you for sharing. =)
That would be my pleasure thanks for viewing and commenting…
What beautiful animals. Imagine how it must have been 200 years ago for animals in Africa. The numbers must have been staggering.
That they must… this antelope was naturally hunted for his horns,,, and that with encroachment have been his steady decline… but conservation farms like the Oppenheimers will ensure their survival…
It’s lucky there are people spending their money in the right places to provide these game farms. Africa has so many beautiful species that aren’t found anywhere else. It would be a shame to lose them.
I agree and I can tell you, I bet he spends millions on that farm…