Description:
The hirola is one of the most threatened species of antelope in Africa. It is a medium-sized antelope with a light-brown coat with lighter under parts and tail. They have distinctive white markings like spectacles around their eyes, which form an individually unique pattern . Males and females both have horns. They measure up to 1.25m at the shoulder and weigh up to 118kg.
Female Hirola - Kenya © Northern Rangelands Trust
Key facts
Population:
80% decline since 2000, with fewer than 250 mature individuals.
Diet:
Hirola primarily graze on grass but browsing may be important in the dry season. They reportedly require very little surface water to survive.
Habitat:
Most (possibly all) are now found in Kenya. The hirola is adapted to arid environments and inhabit a range of habitats from open grassland with light bush to wooded savannahs.
Range:
South-east Kenya and south-west Somalia.
©Araluen Schunmannedit
© Northern Rangelands Trust
Threats
The hirola has suffered drastic declines due to over-hunting in the past, and a lack of effective protection leaves it vulnerable to poaching. It is also vulnerable to disease, drought, habitat loss and competition with livestock.
Conservation
Long-term conservation of hirola includes improving the management and protection of the natural population and establishing new protected areas, alongside engaging communities and improving local livelihoods. Intensive conservation efforts, led by the Northern Rangelands Trust and supported by Tusk, are maintained in the Ishaqbini Community Conservancy including the management of a protected predator-proof sanctuary and presence of anti-poaching patrols.
Learn more about the projects
The hirola has suffered drastic declines due to over-hunting in the past, and a lack of effective protection leaves it vulnerable to poaching. It is also vulnerable to disease, drought, habitat loss and competition with livestock.
Conservation
Long-term conservation of hirola includes improving the management and protection of the natural population and establishing new protected areas, alongside engaging communities and improving local livelihoods. Intensive conservation efforts, led by the Northern Rangelands Trust and supported by Tusk, are maintained in the Ishaqbini Community Conservancy including the management of a protected predator-proof sanctuary and presence of anti-poaching patrols.