Sable Antelope
Hippotragus niger
A large, powerful African antelope whose black males carry huge curved horns.
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About the Sable Antelope
Sable antelopes live in the southern savannas of Africa, from Kenya and Tanzania to Angola, in a mix of woodlands and grassland. Males weigh about 525 pounds and stand about 4 feet tall. Both sexes have horns, but a male's are longer, up to about 5 feet. Bulls turn black at around three years old, while females and young are chestnut. Grass makes up most of their diet.[1]
Quick facts
- Scientific name
- Hippotragus niger[1]
- Size
- Males stand about 3.8 to 4.7 feet tall at the shoulder.[1]
- Weight
- Males about 525 pounds; females about 485 pounds.[1]
- Lifespan
- Up to 16 years in the wild.[1]
- Diet
- Herbivore. Mostly grasses.[1]
- Habitat
- Savanna woodland and grassland.[1]
- Where it lives
- Southern and eastern Africa, from Kenya to Angola.[1]
- Group life
- Herds of 15 to 25 females and young with one male.[1]
- Conservation status
- Least Concern (IUCN Red List, assessed 2016).[2]
Fun facts
Vocabulary
- savanna
- A grassland with scattered trees.
- harem
- A group of females that live with one male.
- grazer
- An animal that eats mostly grass.
- mane
- Long hair growing on an animal's neck.
- least concern
- A conservation label meaning a species is widespread and not at risk of dying out soon.
See it in person
- Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo and AquariumOmaha, Nebraska · Scott African GrasslandsSee this area on the zoo's website ↗
These zoos had this animal when we gathered our information, but animals sometimes move. Check the zoo's website or contact the zoo before you visit.
Sources
- [1] Animal Diversity Web, University of Michigan. “Sable antelope (Hippotragus niger).” https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Hippotragus_niger/ (accessed 2026-10-02)
- [2] IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. “Hippotragus niger (Sable Antelope).” https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/10170/50188654 (accessed 2026-10-02)
Facts last checked 2026-10-02.
