Coke's hartebeest

The Coke's hartebeest has a long and narrow face with pointed ears. It has long legs, a sloping back, and ridged horns that are found in both males and females. It has short reddish-brown fur, a white rump, and a short tail with a blackish tuft at the end. Calves have a paler appearance. Male Kongonis may measure anywhere from 117–124 cm (46-48 inches) and weigh about 129–171 kg (284-376 lbs), while female Kongonis are slightly smaller with a height of 112 cm (44 inches) and weigh around 116–148 kg (255-326 lbs). The horns may be up to 70 cm long. ==Behavior==

Herding Behavior The Coke's hartebeest herds represent mostly female hierarchies with a typical number of 6-30 individuals. They are semi-closed to outsiders. These herds are largely migratory. Territorial bulls usually remain separate from the females except when they're actively herding or courting. Females can sometimes stay indefinitely on a single territory as harems. Male-only herds can be up to 35 individuals. Parent & Offspring Behavior Pregnant females often isolate, only accompanied by one or sometimes more previous offspring. Newly birthed calves take about 30 minutes to steadily stand. Within 10 minutes, calves can walk and run. The hiding and isolation phase of females and new calves lasts for 2 weeks. Female Coke's hartebeest calve every 9–10 months, too early for the last calf to become independent. Male calves accompany their mothers for up to 2 years, a year longer than other alcelaphines, although they mature at the same age as wildebeests, at 3–4 years. Male calves may simply run away from the original herd or be chased away by the dominant bull at 3 years, when they join bachelor herds. Between 3–4 years, males may leave the bachelor herds and begin searching for their own territories. == Adaptations to the desert environment ==

The hot and dry environment of the Coke's hartebeest has led to the development of several thermoregulatory adaptations. This species uses panting as a means of evaporative cooling that responds to skin temperature rather than core body temperature. Cutaneous water loss is limited through maintenance of a lower basal metabolic rate, This helps the Coke's hartebeest limit its water expenditure in hot and arid habitats. ==References==