A rotund, barrel-chested antelope with a short neck and long face, the sable antelope (Hippotragus niger) resembles the larger Roan antelope and is named for the Russian word meaning black – though only the males of the species are truly black. The male is also heavier and about one-fifth taller than the female. Female and young sable are a rich chestnut with white facial markings, as well as a white belly and rump. The Sable antelope lives in the southern savannas of Africa from the southeastern part of Kenya, in eastern Tanzania, as well as Mozambique to Angola and in southern Zaire. When Sable antelope are threatened by predators, including lions, they confront them, using their scimitar-shaped horns. Many of these big cats have died during such fights.
