What is jackson hartebeest?

Jackson hartebeest, also known as the East African hartebeest, is a large African antelope species that belongs to the Bovidae family. Its scientific name is Alcelaphus buselaphus jacksoni. This species is found in eastern Africa, particularly in Tanzania and Kenya, where it inhabits grassy plains, savannas, and woodlands.

The Jackson hartebeest stands about 130-140 cm (4.3-4.6 ft) tall at the shoulder and weighs around 150-230 kg (330-510 lb). It has a unique appearance with a sloping body, a broad face, and curved horns that are long and slender, curving downwards and slightly backwards. Its coat is reddish-brown with a black stripe running down its back and white underparts.

These antelopes are herbivores, primarily feeding on short grasses, often found on the savannahs and open woodlands. They are active during the day and are known for their speed and endurance, capable of running at speeds of up to 70 km/h (43 mph) for long distances.

The Jackson hartebeest is classified as Least Concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) due to its large population and the presence of protected areas in its range. However, habitat loss due to human activities such as agriculture and hunting pose significant threats to the species' survival.