Pronghorn

The pronghorn (Antilocapra americana) is the only surviving member of the family Antilocapridae, and the fastest land animal in North America running at speeds of 54 mph (90 km/h). The pronghorn is also known as the pronghorn antelope, but is not a true antelope, and its 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. 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.

Pronghorn were brought to scientific notice by the Lewis and Clark Expedition, which found them in what is now South Dakota, USA. 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. Their eastern extent is generally bounded by the Missouri River in the United States. The subspecies known as the Sonoran pronghorn (Antilocapra americana sonoriensis) occurs in Arizona and Mexico.

Pronghorn live primarily in grasslands but also in brushland and deserts. Pronghorn eat cacti, grasses, forbs and browse plants.

Pronghorn newborns weigh 5 to 9 lb (2 to 4 kg). Adult male pronghorn 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.)

The pronghorn is one of the fastest land animals, being second only to the cheetah. It can sustain high speeds longer than cheetahs, however. The top recorded speed was 61 mph (98 km/h). The pronghorn, although built for speed with an oversized heart and lungs, is a very poor jumper. Their ranges are often affected by sheep ranchers' fence. The pronghorn also sports a very large set of eyes that are said to be the equivalent of 8X binoculars.

By 1908, hunting pressure had reduced the pronghorn population to about 20,000. Protection of habitat and hunting restrictions have allowed them to recover to 500,000 pronghorns. Wolves, coyotes and bobcats are the major predators. Golden eagles have been reported to prey on fawns.

Pronghorns are now numerous enough that they outstrip the human population in all of Wyoming and parts of northern Colorado. The pronghorn is widely hunted in western states for purposes of population control and exoticism, as its meat is rich and lean.

One subspecies, (A. a. sonoriensis), is considered critically endangered ^*.

References

Even-toed ungulates | Fauna of Mexico | Wildlife of North America | Kashrut food | Halaal food

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References