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EXPLORE > ANIMALS > MAMMALS
Antilocapra americana
This beautiful animal is the only surviving example the family Antilocapridae, a group of mammals which mostly went extinct following the last Ice Age. Pronghorn antelope are smaller ungulates with slender bodies covered in brownish-red fur. Prominent white patches are located on their rumps, sides, breasts, bellies and throats. Adult males rarely reach 5 feet in length and stand less than 4 feet in height. Males will have small, thick horns which branch into several "prongs."
The animal's name is misleading as it is not a true antelope, a species which only exists in Africa, Asia and Europe. Because it is so similar in both appearance and behavior to "Old World antelope" however, biologist consider it to be an example of parallel evolution, or when unrelated species form similar traits in response to similar environmental pressures. To avoid confusion with true antelope, the animal is often referred to simply as a pronghorn.
Despite their small size, pronghorns can prove a formidable challenge to predators like cougars and gray wolves. They are second fastest land animal after the cheetah with a top speed of 35 miles per hour (56 km/h). Their light bone structure means they are also highly evasive, able to change direction quickly without faltering.
There are several subspecies of the pronghorn, including an endangered variety in Oregon known as A. a. oregona.
Range and Habitat
Pronghorns were first scientifically observed by the Lewis and Clark Expedition in South Dakota. Their vast range extends from Saskatchewan, Canada, to northern Mexico. They primarily reside in open terrain such as scrubland where they can run freely.
Conservation Status
Although hunted to near extinction by the early twentieth century, pronghorn populations in the United States have largely rebounded thanks to conservation efforts. Today, in most areas of the country, their numbers are healthy.
Antilocapra americana
This beautiful animal is the only surviving example the family Antilocapridae, a group of mammals which mostly went extinct following the last Ice Age. Pronghorn antelope are smaller ungulates with slender bodies covered in brownish-red fur. Prominent white patches are located on their rumps, sides, breasts, bellies and throats. Adult males rarely reach 5 feet in length and stand less than 4 feet in height. Males will have small, thick horns which branch into several "prongs."
The animal's name is misleading as it is not a true antelope, a species which only exists in Africa, Asia and Europe. Because it is so similar in both appearance and behavior to "Old World antelope" however, biologist consider it to be an example of parallel evolution, or when unrelated species form similar traits in response to similar environmental pressures. To avoid confusion with true antelope, the animal is often referred to simply as a pronghorn.
Despite their small size, pronghorns can prove a formidable challenge to predators like cougars and gray wolves. They are second fastest land animal after the cheetah with a top speed of 35 miles per hour (56 km/h). Their light bone structure means they are also highly evasive, able to change direction quickly without faltering.
There are several subspecies of the pronghorn, including an endangered variety in Oregon known as A. a. oregona.
Range and Habitat
Pronghorns were first scientifically observed by the Lewis and Clark Expedition in South Dakota. Their vast range extends from Saskatchewan, Canada, to northern Mexico. They primarily reside in open terrain such as scrubland where they can run freely.
Conservation Status
Although hunted to near extinction by the early twentieth century, pronghorn populations in the United States have largely rebounded thanks to conservation efforts. Today, in most areas of the country, their numbers are healthy.
