SABLE

The Sable Antelope (Hippotragus niger niger) is a majestic herbivore, easily recognised by its glossy black coat in males (females are typically dark rusty brown), long scimitar-shaped horns, and white facial markings. Their bold appearance and regal posture make them one of Africa's most striking antelope species.

Distribution: Is native to Southern and East Africa.

Size: A large African antelope.

Weight: 400 – 500lb / 200 – 270 kg

Shoulder Height: 43 – 55’’ / 1.09 – 1.40 m

Horns: Both sexes have horns, though males' are longer, rising vertically from the head with a pronounced backward sweeping curve. Heavily ridged in front. A males horns are thicker and more massive than those of females, which are also less curved.

Habitat: Mixed bush grassland with associated marshlands; dry open forests and savannahs where they graze on grasses, always near water.

Habits: Sable are social animals that live in herds, grazing primarily on grasses. Males are territorial, while females and young move in groups. They are most active during the early morning and late afternoon. Sable defend themselves by forming groups and using their long, sharp horns to fight off predators, often facing threats like lions head-on.

Hunting Tips: Try to seek out a solitary male, as this is easier than hunting animals from the herd. Sable often feed in an erratic pattern and may change direction frequently. While following this animal it is not unusual to come face to face with an animal you thought was going in the other direction.

Trophy Information

Good Horn Length: 40’’  

Record Book  

SCI Min. : 96 

SCI Min. Bow : 86 

Rowland Ward Min. : 42 

World Record : 55 3/8 

SCI Measurement Method: 1  

Rowland Ward Measurement Method: 7-a 

Species & Subspecies Information

Species: 1. Sable Antelope or Harrisbuck.

Subspecies: 5. Southern Sable, Roosevelt’s Sable, Kirk’s Sable, Giant or Royal Sable and Ansell’s Sable.