PRONGHORN    
Antilocapra americana

Pronghorns are very high strung and jittery by nature, so in order for the fawns to be put on exhibit they must be comfortable being around people.

Look for pronghorns in Western United States and parts of Mexico.

Don't like the nightlife: Pronghorns can be found in open grass and brushlands, rarely open coniferous forests; active in daytime and twilight.

Vegetarians: They eat forbs (herbs other than grasses), shrubs, grasses and other plants (cacti and domestic crops).

What do pronghorns look like anyway? The coat on the upper body is tan; the belly, inner limbs, rectangular area between shoulders and hips, shield and crescent on throat and rump are white. Size: head to tail length 55 inches; shoulder height 34 inches; weight 103 to 154 pounds; horn length female: one to one and one half inches; male 17 inches. Females are fractionally smaller than males.

Two are better than one: Only dominant males breed so a male's first breeding is delayed until about five years old. Females mature at 16 months. Gestation is 252 days. Twins are comon on good range.

Lifespan: Up to 12 years in captivity.

No slouch: The pronghorn is known for its speed, endurance and curiosity. Speeds of up to 55 miles per hour have been recorded, with sustained speeds of 45 miles per hour for over four miles. Stride may reach 27 feet at a full run. They probably developed such speeds to avoid the cheetah species which was once common in North America.

Status: Common.

Australasia | Conservation Corner | Madagascar |
Marco Polo Trail | North America | Plains of Africa | Tropical America