Giant Sable Antelope

The giant sable antelope is a critically endangered African species that has been overhunted for its impressive, hollow horns. Unlike deer, antelope keep their horns throughout their life, and their horns can grow up to 5 ft long. They look formidable, but their value as weapons is limited. To survive, antelopes rely on their ability to spot danger and to make a rapid escape. This defense system enables them to evade most wildlife predators, but it offers only partial protection from human hunters interested in antelope hide, horn, or meat, and offers no protection at all from changes to their habitat.