World Hirola Day & History | Hirola Habitat and Characteristics of Hirolas

World Hirola Day is dedicated to one of the world’s most endangered antelope species. This is on August 12. Hirola Habitat and Hirola Population is limited.  Hirola antelope is also called Hunter’s antelope. Hirolas are very less in number in the world. However, different organizations are working on hirola conservation.

History of Hirolas and World Hirola Day

Hirolas are also called the Hunter’s hartebeest or Hunter’s antelope. They only exist on the borders of Kenya and Somalia. Moreover, there are only 500 Hirolas in the world. They belong to the family Beatragus hunter.

کوالا کا عالمی دن، کوالا جانور کی خصوصیات اور آسٹریلیا میں اہمیت

The name Hirola comes from the Somali name ‘Arawla’ which refers to their rufous-tawny coat color. Hunter and zoologist H.C.V. Hunter described them in 1888. After this, they are named as Hunter’s antelope.

World Hirola Day was first celebrated in 2015. However, World Hirola Day aims to raise awareness to protect and preserve this critically endangered species. Currently, no zoo in the world has Hirola in captivity.

Characteristics of Hirolas

They are medium-sized antelope. They have long legs and long bodies. Moreover, they have two sharp, lyre-shaped horns. They have a white line on the face running between the eyes and the corners of mouth.

These animals have tan to rufous-tawny color of coat. However, their coat color darkens towards a slate grey with their age. As well as, the number of ridges along their horns also increases with age.

They have huge sub-orbital glands beneath their eyes. They use these glands to mark their territories. Due to, sub- orbital glands around eyes, they have the name four-eyed antelope. In addition, they have white spectacles around their eyes. They have white ears with black tip. Besides this, they have white tail which extends down to the hocks.

Distribution and Hirola Habitat

They are found in the area between the Tana River in Kenya and the Juba River in Somalia.  Moreover, the global hirola population is estimated at 300–500 animals. Furthermore, they inhibit in open savannas, short grass, grasslands in dry acacia bush/scrub, and coastal forests. They have selective feeding habits. Due to this, they change their grazing lands over time as they become unsuitable.

Hirola Conservation

IUCN has listed Hirola as a critically endangered species. Their population has declined because of the loss of hirola habitat and hunting. Many organizations are working on Hirola Conservation. The Hirola Conservation Programme (HCP) is also working on endangered hirola antelope Conservation. HCP  is based in Garissa County in northeastern Kenya. Moreover, their main focus includes the protection and restoration of habitat for the endangered hirola antelope. Historically, the decline of the hirola population is linked to the rinderpest epidemic, drought, poaching, predation, and habitat loss. Moreover, Ishaqbini Hirola Community Conservancy is also working on hirola conservation.

Editor In Chief

Dr. Jassar Aftab is a qualified Veterinarian having expertise in veterinary communication. He is a renowned veterinary Journalist of Pakistan. He is veterinary columnist, veterinary writer and veterinary analyst. He is the author of three books. He has written a number of articles and columns on different topics related to livestock, dairy, poultry, wildlife, fisheries, food security and different aspects of animal sciences and veterinary education.

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