HARTEBEEST, RED

The Red Hartebeest (Alcelaphus buselaphus caama) also known as Cape Hartebeest has a distinctive appearance and behaviour. It is named for its reddish-brown coat, which can vary in intensity. The face, neck, and shoulders often have a darker shade compared to the rest of the body.

Distribution: Found in south eastern and south western Africa.

Size: Is a large African antelope.          

Weight: 350 – 400lb / 137 – 180 kg

Shoulder Height: 46 – 50’’ / 1.17 – 1.27 m

Horns: Both sexes have horns which are larger in the bulls. They project from a large pedicle or stalk on top of the head. Rise backwards and upwards, forwards then backwards, up and out, in and back. Horns are heavily ridged.

Habitat: Savanna, open grassland and plains or semi-desert. Also mountainous country.

Habits: Red hartebeests are primarily diurnal, being most active during the cooler parts of the day. They are social animals, often forming small herds led by a dominant male. Grazing mainly on grasses, they are highly adapted to their environment and can travel long distances in search of food and water. Red hartebeests are also known for their vigilance, as they frequently keep watch for predators.

Hunting Tips: The best time to hunt them is in the half-light of early morning or late evening. They will often stand and look, affording time for a shot. Expect long shots when encountered on the open plains.

Trophy Information

Good Horn Length: 21’’  

Record Book  

SCI Min. - 62

SCI Min. Bow - 53  

Rowland Ward Min. - 23  

World Record - 29 4/8  

SCI Measurement Method: 1  

Rowland Ward Measurement Method: 7-a 

Species & Subspecies Information

Species: 2 – Common Hartebeest and Lichtenstein’s Hartebeest.  

Subspecies: 7 – Babal or North African Hartebeest, Coke’s hartebeest, Lelwel hartebeest, Tora hartebeest, Swayne’s Hartebeest, Red or Cape Hartebeest and Western Hartebeest.