Pronghorn Antelope

The Pronghorn (Antilocapra americana) is the only surviving member of the family Antilocapridae, and the fastest mammal in North America running at speeds of 58 mph (90 km/h). The Pronghorn is also known as the Pronghorn antelope, but is not a true antelope. It is a unique animal with no close relatives. Both the males and the females horns are made up of a hairlike substance that grows around a bony core; the outer sheath is shed annually.

Pronghorns have a longer gestation period compared to other North American ungulates. Bands of pronghorns live in open grasslands, gathering into larger herds in the winter. The Pronghorn breeds in mid-September and the "doe" carries her fawn until late May. In comparison, this is around six weeks longer than the Pronghorn's slightly larger distant relative, the whitetail deer.

The Pronghorn's range extends from southern Saskatchewan and Alberta in Canada to Sonora and Baja California in Mexico. They live on both sides of the Rocky Mountains. The eastern limit of their range is generally the Missouri River in the United States. Pronghorns live primarily in grasslands but also in brushland and deserts. They eat cacti, grasses, and forbs, and browse plants.

Pronghorn newborns weigh 5 to 9 lb (2 to 4 kg). Adult male Pronghorns weigh 100 to 145 lb (45 to 60 kg) while females weigh 75 to 100 lb (35 to 45 kg). The main color of adults is brown or tan, with a white rump and belly and two white stripes on the throat. A short dark mane grows along the neck, and males also sport a black mask and black patches on the sides of the neck.

Male Pronghorns have horns about 5 to 17 in long with a prong. Female Pronghorns also grow horns although relatively small and sometimes barely visible. Female horns range from 1 to 6 in (25 to 150 mm) and are straight rather than pronged. Pronghorns have a distinct, musky odor. Males mark territory with a scent gland located on the sides of the head. Pronghorns are commonly called "Prairie Goats", "Speed Goats", or simply "goats" for this reason (as well as their resemblance to domesticated goats.)

Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pronghorn_antelope

Antelope Specialist Group (1996). Antilocapra americana. 2006 IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. IUCN 2006. Retrieved on 12 May 2006.
Antilocapra americana (TSN 180717). Integrated Taxonomic Information System. Accessed on 23 March 2006.

Photograph courtesy of the Agricultural Research Service, the research agency of the United States Department of Agriculture.


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			The Pronghorn *(Antilocapra americana)* is the only surviving member of the family Antilocapridae, and the fastest mammal in North America running at speeds of 58 mph (90 km/h). The Pronghorn is also known as the Pronghorn antelope, but is not a true antelope. It is a unique animal with no close relatives. Both the males and the females horns are made up of a hairlike substance that grows around a bony core; the outer sheath is shed annually. Pronghorns have a longer gestation period compared to other North American ungulates. Bands of pronghorns live in open grasslands, gathering into larger herds in the winter. The Pronghorn breeds in mid-September and the "doe" carries her fawn until late May. In comparison, this is around six weeks longer than the Pronghorn's slightly larger distant relative, the whitetail deer. The Pronghorn's range extends from southern Saskatchewan and Alberta in Canada to Sonora and Baja California in Mexico. They live on both sides of the Rocky Mountains. The eastern limit of their range is generally the Missouri River in the United States. Pronghorns live primarily in grasslands but also in brushland and deserts. They eat cacti, grasses, and forbs, and browse plants. Pronghorn newborns weigh 5 to 9 lb (2 to 4 kg). Adult male Pronghorns weigh 100 to 145 lb (45 to 60 kg) while females weigh 75 to 100 lb (35 to 45 kg). The main color of adults is brown or tan, with a white rump and belly and two white stripes on the throat. A short dark mane grows along the neck, and males also sport a black mask and black patches on the sides of the neck. Male Pronghorns have horns about 5 to 17 in long with a prong. Female Pronghorns also grow horns although relatively small and sometimes barely visible. Female horns range from 1 to 6 in (25 to 150 mm) and are straight rather than pronged. Pronghorns have a distinct, musky odor. Males mark territory with a scent gland located on the sides of the head. Pronghorns are commonly called "Prairie Goats", "Speed Goats", or simply "goats" for this reason (as well as their resemblance to domesticated goats.) Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pronghorn_antelope Antelope Specialist Group (1996). Antilocapra americana. 2006 IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. IUCN 2006. Retrieved on 12 May 2006. Antilocapra americana (TSN 180717). Integrated Taxonomic Information System. Accessed on 23 March 2006. Photograph courtesy of the Agricultural Research Service, the research agency of the United States Department of Agriculture.