Beira (antelope): Difference between revisions
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{{Short description|Species of mammal}} |
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{{Speciesbox |
{{Speciesbox |
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| name = Beira |
| name = Beira |
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| status = VU |
| status = VU |
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| status_system = IUCN3.1 |
| status_system = IUCN3.1 |
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| status_ref = <ref name=iucn>{{cite iucn|author= |
| status_ref = <ref name=iucn>{{cite iucn |author=IUCN SSC Antelope Specialist Group |year=2016 |title=''Dorcatragus megalotis'' |page=e.T6793A50185898 |doi=10.2305/IUCN.UK.2016-1.RLTS.T6793A50185898.en |access-date=12 November 2021}}</ref> |
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| genus = Dorcatragus |
| genus = Dorcatragus |
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| parent_authority = [[Theophil Noack|Noack]], 1894 |
| parent_authority = [[Theophil Noack|Noack]], 1894 |
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| species = megalotis |
| species = megalotis |
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| authority = (Menges, 1894)<ref name = ITIS>{{ |
| authority = (Menges, 1894)<ref name = ITIS>{{ITIS | id=625086 | taxon = Dorcatragus megalotis | access-date = 2016-11-13}}</ref> |
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| range_map = Dorcatragus megalotis.png |
| range_map = Dorcatragus megalotis.png |
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| range_map_caption = Beira range |
| range_map_caption = Beira range |
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|Oreotragus megalotis|Menges,1894 |
|Oreotragus megalotis|Menges,1894 |
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}} |
}} |
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| synonyms_ref=<ref name |
| synonyms_ref=<ref name=iucn/> |
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}} |
}} |
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The '''beira''' (''Dorcatragus megalotis'') is a small arid adapted [[antelope]] that inhabits [[arid]] regions of the [[Horn of Africa]]. |
The '''beira''' ('''''Dorcatragus megalotis''''') is a small arid adapted [[antelope]] that inhabits [[arid]] regions of the [[Horn of Africa]]. It is the [[monotypic taxon|only member]] of the [[genus]] '''''Dorcatragus'''''. |
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==Description== |
==Description== |
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The beira has a bushy tail and a coarse coat which is reddish grey on the back separated from the white underparts by a dark band which extends along each side from the elbow to the rear leg. Its long, slender legs are fawn-coloured and the head is yellowish red with black eyelids and white eye rings. The beira has disproportionately large ears, which are 15 |
The beira has a bushy tail and a coarse coat which is reddish grey on the back separated from the white underparts by a dark band which extends along each side from the elbow to the rear leg. Its long, slender legs are fawn-coloured and the head is yellowish red with black eyelids and white eye rings. The beira has disproportionately large ears, which are {{cvt|15|cm}} long and {{cvt|7.5|cm}} across with white fur on their interiors. Only the males have horns which are {{cvt|7.5|–|10|cm}} long, straight spikes which grow out vertically from near the sides of the ears. The length of the animal is {{cvt|80|–|86|cm}}, it stands {{cvt|50|–|60|cm}} at the shoulder and weighs between {{cvt|9|-|11.5|kg}}.<ref name=ultimateungulate>{{cite web | url = http://www.ultimateungulate.com/Artiodactyla/Dorcatragus_megalotis.html | title = ''Dorcatragus megalotis'' | access-date = 2016-11-13 | publisher = Brent Huffman | work = www.ultimateungulate.com | url-status = dead | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20060910162848/http://www.ultimateungulate.com/Artiodactyla/Dorcatragus_megalotis.html | archive-date = 2006-09-10 }}</ref> |
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==Distribution== |
==Distribution== |
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The beira is endemic to northeast Africa, it occurs in the far south of [[Djibouti]] southwards across northern [[Somalia]] and into extreme northeastern [[Ethiopia]]. The main part of its range is in |
The beira is endemic to northeast Africa, it occurs in the far south of [[Djibouti]] southwards across [[Somaliland]] and northern [[Somalia]], and into extreme northeastern [[Ethiopia]]. The main part of its range is in [[Somaliland]], from the frontier with Djibouti, east into [[Puntland]] in northern Somalia and the [[Nugaal Valley|Nogaal Valley]]. Its occurrence in Djibouti was confirmed in only 1993.<ref name=iucn/> |
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==Habitat== |
==Habitat== |
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Beira are found in rocky or stony hillsides and slopes, among dry, grassland |
Beira are found in rocky or stony hillsides and slopes, among dry, grassland interspersed with [[acacia]] scrub and many sites are on hills with flat summits and steep stony sides.<ref name=iucn/> |
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==Habits== |
==Habits== |
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Beira have only been recorded giving birth in April at the height of the rainy season. Gestation lasts six months and one calf is born. They are most active in the early morning and late afternoon, and rest in the middle of the day. |
Beira have only been recorded giving birth in April at the height of the rainy season. Gestation lasts six months and one calf is born. They are most active in the early morning and late afternoon, and rest in the middle of the day. They are extremely wary, and are alerted to the slightest disturbance by their excellent hearing, moving off with great speed across the [[scree]] on the rocky slopes, bounding with agility from rock to rock on steeper, less broken terrain. Beira are adapted to arid climate and do not need to find water, as they obtain all they need from the plants they browse. Beira live in small family groups and pairs, always with a single male, but larger groups have been recorded and these probably occur when family groups meet up. Beira are predominantly browsers, but also graze when grass is available. [[Hyena]]s, [[caracal]]s and [[jackal]]s are the main predators of beira, and where they occur [[lion]]s and [[leopard]]s will take them too.<ref name = ultimateungulate/> |
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==Conservation== |
==Conservation== |
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The beira is subject to some low level hunting but its small size, extreme wariness, and the inaccessible rocky habitat may allow it to withstand hunting pressure. [[Overgrazing]], drought and cutting of acacia scrub for charcoal production are thought to be greater threats. It is listed as Vulnerable by the IUCN.<ref name=iucn/> In Djibouti it is thought to be rare but not endangered.<ref name = Djibouti>{{cite web | url = http://djiboutinature.org/?p=140 | title = Beira antelope – ''Dorcatragus megalotis'' | access-date = 2016-11-13 | publisher = Djibouti Nature}}</ref> and its status in Ethiopia is currently unknown, the last record being in 1972.<ref name=iucn/> |
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The only captive breeding group of beira |
The only captive breeding group of beira was at [[Al Wabra Wildlife Preservation]] where they have been successfully bred and the number reached a peak of 58 in 2005.<ref name = captive>{{cite web | url = http://awwp.alwabra.com/?p=1198 | title = Beira Antelope | access-date = 2016-11-13 |publisher = Al Wabra Wildlife Preservation}}</ref> |
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==Name== |
==Name== |
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The term 'beira' is derived from its [[Somali language|Somali]] name.<ref name = Oxford>{{cite web | url = https://en.oxforddictionaries.com/definition/beira | title = beira | |
The term 'beira' is derived from its [[Somali language|Somali]] name.<ref name = Oxford>{{cite web | url = https://en.oxforddictionaries.com/definition/beira | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20161113175542/https://en.oxforddictionaries.com/definition/beira | url-status = dead | archive-date = November 13, 2016 | title = beira | access-date = 2016-11-13 | publisher = [[Oxford English Dictionary]]}}</ref> |
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==References== |
==References== |
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Latest revision as of 14:16, 4 December 2023
| Beira | |
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Scientific classification 
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| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Mammalia |
| Order: | Artiodactyla |
| Family: | Bovidae |
| Subfamily: | Antilopinae |
| Genus: | Dorcatragus Noack, 1894 |
| Species: | D. megalotis
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| Binomial name | |
| Dorcatragus megalotis (Menges, 1894)[2]
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| Beira range | |
| Synonyms[1] | |
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The beira (Dorcatragus megalotis) is a small arid adapted antelope that inhabits arid regions of the Horn of Africa. It is the only member of the genus Dorcatragus.
Description
[edit]The beira has a bushy tail and a coarse coat which is reddish grey on the back separated from the white underparts by a dark band which extends along each side from the elbow to the rear leg. Its long, slender legs are fawn-coloured and the head is yellowish red with black eyelids and white eye rings. The beira has disproportionately large ears, which are 15 cm (5.9 in) long and 7.5 cm (3.0 in) across with white fur on their interiors. Only the males have horns which are 7.5–10 cm (3.0–3.9 in) long, straight spikes which grow out vertically from near the sides of the ears. The length of the animal is 80–86 cm (31–34 in), it stands 50–60 cm (20–24 in) at the shoulder and weighs between 9–11.5 kg (20–25 lb).[3]
Distribution
[edit]The beira is endemic to northeast Africa, it occurs in the far south of Djibouti southwards across Somaliland and northern Somalia, and into extreme northeastern Ethiopia. The main part of its range is in Somaliland, from the frontier with Djibouti, east into Puntland in northern Somalia and the Nogaal Valley. Its occurrence in Djibouti was confirmed in only 1993.[1]
Habitat
[edit]Beira are found in rocky or stony hillsides and slopes, among dry, grassland interspersed with acacia scrub and many sites are on hills with flat summits and steep stony sides.[1]
Habits
[edit]Beira have only been recorded giving birth in April at the height of the rainy season. Gestation lasts six months and one calf is born. They are most active in the early morning and late afternoon, and rest in the middle of the day. They are extremely wary, and are alerted to the slightest disturbance by their excellent hearing, moving off with great speed across the scree on the rocky slopes, bounding with agility from rock to rock on steeper, less broken terrain. Beira are adapted to arid climate and do not need to find water, as they obtain all they need from the plants they browse. Beira live in small family groups and pairs, always with a single male, but larger groups have been recorded and these probably occur when family groups meet up. Beira are predominantly browsers, but also graze when grass is available. Hyenas, caracals and jackals are the main predators of beira, and where they occur lions and leopards will take them too.[3]
Conservation
[edit]The beira is subject to some low level hunting but its small size, extreme wariness, and the inaccessible rocky habitat may allow it to withstand hunting pressure. Overgrazing, drought and cutting of acacia scrub for charcoal production are thought to be greater threats. It is listed as Vulnerable by the IUCN.[1] In Djibouti it is thought to be rare but not endangered.[4] and its status in Ethiopia is currently unknown, the last record being in 1972.[1]
The only captive breeding group of beira was at Al Wabra Wildlife Preservation where they have been successfully bred and the number reached a peak of 58 in 2005.[5]
Name
[edit]The term 'beira' is derived from its Somali name.[6]
References
[edit]- ^ a b c d e f IUCN SSC Antelope Specialist Group (2016). "Dorcatragus megalotis". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2016: e.T6793A50185898. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2016-1.RLTS.T6793A50185898.en. Retrieved 12 November 2021.
- ^ "Dorcatragus megalotis". Integrated Taxonomic Information System. Retrieved 2016-11-13.
- ^ a b "Dorcatragus megalotis". www.ultimateungulate.com. Brent Huffman. Archived from the original on 2006-09-10. Retrieved 2016-11-13.
- ^ "Beira antelope – Dorcatragus megalotis". Djibouti Nature. Retrieved 2016-11-13.
- ^ "Beira Antelope". Al Wabra Wildlife Preservation. Retrieved 2016-11-13.
- ^ "beira". Oxford English Dictionary. Archived from the original on November 13, 2016. Retrieved 2016-11-13.