The Sable

Sable (Hippotragus niger) Identification:  Bulls are black and cows are mainly brown but occasionally black.  Vertical white lines on the face, white tummy, white inner thighs and buttocks.  Both sexes have horns.  Size:  Shoulder height 135cm.  Weight - 230kg.  Habits:  Groups of up to 200.  Territorial.  They sometimes fight to death to protect territories.  There is one or two dominant cows in a herd.  They always lead the herd to water and pastures and when danger approaches.  They graze in the mornings and afternoons and rest in the shade during midday.  They are selective grazers and prefer grass of medium length.  Calve from January to March.  Distribution: Kenya, Tanzania, Malawi, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Botswana, South Africa.