Hunting Roan in South Africa

IDENTIFICATION: Roan antelope are one of the largest species of antelope. Named for their roan colour (a reddish brown), they have lighter underbellies, white eyebrows and cheeks and black faces, lighter in females. They have short, erect manes, very light beards and prominent red nostrils. The horns are ringed and can reach a meter long in males, slightly shorter in females. They arch backwards slightly.

HABITAT: Tall grasslands, open savannah and sufficient water. Very sensitive to any change in habitat such as bush and overutilization of grass. Tolerates scattered short shrubs. Avoids thickets and areas with short grass or forest.

BREEDING: Roan breed all year-round; 1 calf is born after gestation period of 9-9.5 months.

CHARACTERISTICS: Roan, after Eland and Greater Kudu are Africa’s largest antelope. They tend to graze in the early mornings and late afternoons. Bachelor herds, solitary males and breeding herds exist from 5-25 animals in a herd.