TourGuide FireOn Mammals

Interesting Facts About The Antelope

Due to the large number of antelope species, they have a great diversity of characteristics, behaviors and lifestyles. This means there are several interesting facts about antelopes.

Size – The smallest antelope is the Royal antelope, which is only the height of a rabbit, and can be compared to the tallest, the Eland, which stands 4 – 6 feet (130 – 180 cm) tall at the shoulder.

Common Name – One antelope, the “Duiker,” gets its name from the Afrikaans word duik, or Dutch duiken – both of which mean “to dive.” This refers to their behavior of frequently diving into vegetation for protection.

Permanent Horns – Antelope horns are permanent, whereas deer shed their antlers each year.

Fast Speed – Rheboks can gallop up to 40 mph (64 kph), leading some to believe the popular Reebok running shoes were named after this antelope.

Antelope - Description, Habitat, Image, Diet, and Interesting Facts Antelope defined and explained with descriptions. Antelope is a deer-like herbivore that has long legs, a slender neck, and horns.