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138 Featured Specimen
Pronghorn

Details

Pronghorn

Antilocapra americana

Size
1.3–1.5 m · 35–70 kg
Diet
Herbivore
Activity
Diurnal
Sociality
Herd
Lifespan
10-20 years

The pronghorn is a diurnal herbivore of North American grasslands and drylands. Herds move through open landscapes and can run at high speed.

Range

Habitat range map
Native range Occasional / Transient
NearcticNearcticNearcticNearcticNearcticNearcticNearcticNearcticNearcticNearcticNearcticNearcticNearcticNearcticNearcticNearcticNearcticNearcticNearcticNearcticNearcticNearcticNearcticNearcticNearcticNearcticNearcticNearcticNearcticNearcticNearcticNearcticNearcticNearcticNearcticNearcticNearcticNearcticNearcticNearcticNearctic

Map: Ecoregions 2017 © RESOLVE (CC BY 4.0) · Natural Earth (PD)

Details

Habitat

It uses grassland, semidesert, and low shrubland with broad visibility. Wide movement routes and seasonal feeding areas are important.

Appearance

Body length is about 130-150 cm and weight about 35-70 kg. A white rump, forked horns, and long legs suit sustained fast running.

Behavior

Diurnal herds feed and travel in open country. Excellent eyesight helps detect danger early and maintain distance.

Feeding

It is herbivorous, eating grasses, shrubs, and forbs. Moist plants can be important in dry environments.

Reproduction

During the breeding season, males compete for territories or access to females. Fawns hide in grassland before joining running groups.

Notes

Its status is listed as Least Concern. Fences and roads can block seasonal movements, so open corridors matter.