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 no protection at all from changes to their habitat.

Antelope conservation status »»

Although antelopes all belong to the cattle family (family Bovidae), the term antelope is an informal one, and does not have any precise scientific meaning. Types of antelope »»

Antelopes reach sexual maturity quickly. The smallest antelope species are ready to breed when just 6 months old, and the largest only need 3 or 4 years to reach sexual maturity. Antelope courtship and reproduction »»

Compared to some mammals, such as carnivores (meat-eaters) and primates (apes, monkeys, and humans), antelopes are not noted for high intelligence.

Antelope Behaviour »»

Antelopes differ from one another almost as much as they differ from other members of the cattle, goat, and sheep family. Size is one of the most striking and variable features of antelopes: The common eland towers over most breeds of domestic cattle and can be 300 times heavier than the royal antelope. Antelope Size and Diversity »»

Antelope is a common name applied to a diverse group of hollow-horned mammals that belong to the same family as cattle, goats, and sheep. About 100 species of antelopes live in Africa and Asia, including some of the world’s fastest and most elegant hoofed mammals, as well as some of the most endangered. Antelope Range and Habitat »»