Hirola  (Beatragus hunteri)

Numbers of this rare antelope have recently drastically declined and the species is now in danger of imminent extinction (2). As the sole surviving species of the once abundant Beatragus genus (3), the hirola's extinction would mean not only the loss of a species, but also the loss of an entire ancient antelope group. Discovered in 1888 by the big game hunter and zoologist H.C.V. Hunter (4), the hirola is a sandy-coloured antelope with long legs, body and face and a short neck (2). Male hirolas turn slate-grey as they age (2). The face is characterised by white ‘spectacles' around the eyes linked by a narrow, white chevron (2) (5), and pronounced, dark scent-glands under the eyes become enlarged when excited, leading to the hirola's other name of ‘four-eyed antelope' (4). The lyrate, heavily-ringed horns are beautiful but dangerous weapons, used in fights with rivals. The thick skin at the nape of the hirola's neck folds up behind the horns when the ears are pricked, offering a degree of protection against the sharp horns of an opponent (2). The black-tipped ears and long tail are startlingly white (2).

Historically the hirola may have had a large distribution, but since the 1960s it has been confined to a rapidly shrinking corner of south-east Kenya and southern Somalia (2). It is now thought to possibly be extinct in Somalia (5).

The remaining hirolas inhabit a narrow strip of seasonally arid, grassy plains (2).

The Critically Endangered hirola is a grazing antelope that can be found feeding most intensively on the grassy plains in the early morning and evening, using its large molars to chew the coarse grass (2). Like many other mammals inhabiting the hot, dry plains of Africa, the hirola can go for long periods without drinking, and survives drought by storing fat and avoiding unnecessary energetic activity (2).

Females and their young form groups of between 5 and 40 individuals (2), while the role of mature males depends on population density and ecological factors (3). In areas and times of abundant food, males are thought to defend territories, and mark the area boundaries with faeces and secretions from the facial glands (3). They then attempt to mate with females that come to feed in the territory (3). In other areas, males defend a group of females, firmly leading them into new feeding areas or herding them from the rear (3). When competing for females or defending their territories males can assume two fighting positions; they adopt an unusual kneeling position when fighting intensely, and a standing position when sparring (2).

Hirolas mate mostly during the long rains in February and March (3), leading to a gestation that lasts about 240 days (5). Females separate from their group to give birth to a calf at the beginning of the short rains in October and November (2) (3). Newborn calves are vulnerable prey for jackals, dogs, hyenas, and large cats and eagles (2).

Numbers of hirola have declined severely; from 10,000 in the 1970s, to just 300 in 1995 (2). The remaining tiny population is now considered to be at risk of imminent extinction (2). Competition with cattle, severe drought, disease and poaching are all factors that have contributed to devastating hirola populations (3) (4). Unfortunately, the hirola's preference for areas that are used by livestock puts them at increased risk from diseases like rinderpest and tuberculosis (3).

In 1963, 10 to 20 hirola were released into Tsavo East National Park, Kenya, which grew to a population of 79 individuals by 1996. In 1996, another 29 hirola were translocated into the Tsavo East population, resulting in an estimated population of 100 hirola in Tsavo East National Park (6). The Hirola Management Committee (HNC) was also formed in 1994, with the aim of conserving this species in their natural range. The HNC created the Hirola Strategic Management Plan which outlined hirola conservation measures for the next five years (7). This included creating protected areas, reducing exposure to livestock diseases, careful monitoring, and promoting income generating eco-tourism for this unique species (7); measures that will hopefully pull this beautiful antelope back from the edge of extinction.

For further information on the hirola and its conservation see:

• EDGE of Existence:
  www.edgeofexistence.org/mammals/species_info.php?id=37
• Kenya Wildlife Service:
  www.kws.org/hirola.html

This information is awaiting authentication by a species expert, and will be updated as soon as possible. If you are able to help please contact:
arkive@wildscreen.org.uk