Gerenuk

The gazelle with a giraffe's neck

The gerenuk is an African antelope of unmistakable, slender appearance, nicknamed the 'giraffe gazelle' because of its exceptionally long, thin neck, supported by equally slim and elegant legs. Its body is compact, with a tawny coat on the back and paler on the belly. Its head is small, with large eyes and broad ears; only the males bear sturdy, curved horns. The combination of these features gives it a graceful and recognisable silhouette.

Habitat and distribution

It lives in the arid and semi-arid regions of East Africa, across Somalia, Ethiopia, Kenya and Tanzania, in dry savanna, scrubland and thorny areas. It is perfectly adapted to a habitat poor in water and low vegetation, where it knows how to make the most of the available resources in a way that is unique compared with other herbivores.

An unusual way of feeding

The gerenuk's most extraordinary feature is the way it feeds. Thanks to its very long neck and its ability to balance on its hind legs alone, it stands up, resting its front legs on the branches, thus reaching the highest leaves and shoots, out of reach of many other herbivores. This strategy allows it to exploit an exclusive feeding niche. Even more remarkable is its independence from water: the gerenuk gets almost all the moisture it needs from the plants it eats, and can live a long time without drinking.

Curiosities

The name 'gerenuk' comes from the Somali language and means 'giraffe neck', a clear reference to its most obvious feature. Its elegance and unique behaviour make it one of the most fascinating antelopes of the African savanna.

Conservation

The gerenuk is classified as a near-threatened species. The main threats are habitat loss and degradation, due to the expansion of human activities, and hunting. Conserving the dry savannas and scrublands where it lives is important to ensure the survival of this singular and graceful antelope.