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Photo by Lynn Chamberlain
Photo Copyright Lynn Chamberlain
Pronghorn
Antilocapra americana
Other common names: Antelope
NatureServe conservation status
Global (G-rank): G5
State (S-rank): S4
External links
General information
The pronghorn, Antilocapra americana, is a popular big game species that occurs in western North America, from southern Canada to northern Mexico. The species is common in Utah, where it primarily occurs in desert, grassland, and sagebrush habitats. Pronghorn are often found in small groups and are usually most active during the day.
Breeding occurs during the fall. Females typically give birth to two kids in the spring, although younger females may produce only one offspring. Pronghorn are browsers that primarily consume shrubs, such as sagebrush, although grasses and forbs are also consumed.
Both males and females have true horns that are not shed, but pronghorn are peculiar in that they shed the sheaths off of their horns each year. Contrary to popular belief, pronghorn are NOT part of the Old World antelope family.
Phenology
Daily activity pattern varies seasonally. Alternating periods of feeding and rest occur throughout the day, with fairly continuous feeding in the early morning and late afternoon, and longer rest periods at night (Davis 1974).
Species range
Western North America, from southern Prairie Provinces of Canada (southern Alberta, southern Saskatchewan) south through the western U.S. to northern Mexico (Baja California, Sonora, Hidalgo). Introduced on Lanai (Hawaii) in 1959; reached population of about 250 in the mid-1960s; less than 12 in 1983 and headed for extinction (Tomich 1986).
Migration
Seasonal movements occur in some populations. Sometimes moves as much as 160 km from summering area (O'Gara 1978).
Habitat
Grasslands, sagebrush plains, deserts, and foothills. Need for free water varies with succulence of vegetation in the diet. Birth and fawn bedding sites in a sagebrush-steppe community in south-central Wyoming were in dense shrub cover, but the tallest, most dense cover was avoided (Alldredge et al. 1991).
Food habits
In winter, northern populations depend heavily on browse, especially sagebrush. Forbs most important in summer. Southern populations use more forbs and less browse. Also eats grasses; in some areas, cactus (including burned OPUNTIA).
Ecology
Usually in small bands. Large winter herds disperse in spring. Forms separate bachelor and female-kid groups in spring and summer. Males associate with females in late summer and early fall. High mortality in young is common (mostly predation).
Reproductive characteristics
Breeds mid-September to early October in north, late July to early October in south. Gestation lasts 240-250 days in north, shorter in south (e.g., 210-225 days in Texas). Births occur earlier in south than in north; April-May in Texas, mainly first half of June in Colorado (Fairbanks, 1993, J. Mamm. 74:129-135). Females give birth usually to twins (single fawns mainly from young females). Young are weaned by four months, but continue to follow mother during first winter. Some begin breeding at 1 year.
References
- Biotics Database. 2005. Utah Division of Wildlife Resources, NatureServe, and the network of Natural Heritage Programs and Conservation Data Centers.
- Burt, W. H. and R. P. Grossenheider. 1980. A field guide to the mammals. Houghton Mifflin Company, Boston. 289 pp.
