Gerenuk
Litocranius walleri
A slender, extremely long-necked antelope that stands on its hind legs to browse.
| Scientific name | Litocranius walleri |
|---|---|
| Swahili name | Swala Twiga |
| Conservation status | Near Threatened |
| Class | Mammalia |
| Order | Artiodactyla |
| Family | Bovidae |
| Size | Shoulder height about 80-105 cm, weight about 28-52 kg; neck and legs extremely elongated |
How to identify
Exceptionally long, thin neck and legs and a slender body; reddish-brown back with paler flanks; only males have short, thick, curved horns; often browses upright
Habitat
Arid and semi-arid thornbush, scrub and low acacia woodland
Diet
A browser that stands upright to feed on the leaves of acacia and other shrubs; barely needs to drink water
When it is active
Diurnal, feeding in the cool of morning and evening and resting in shade at midday
Where it lives
The Horn of Africa region, including Kenya, Ethiopia, Somalia and north-eastern Tanzania
How to spot it
Look for the unmistakable pose of an animal standing on its hind legs to browse; Samburu and Tsavo are ideal spots
Photography tips
Wait patiently for the upright browsing moment — its most iconic image; side light emphasises the slender neck line
Threats
Habitat degradation, bush clearance, drought and poaching
Similar species
Other gazelles (with far shorter necks that do not browse bipedally); the upright feeding posture is diagnostic
