Favorite Images of Gerenuks

A list of my favorite images of gerenuks.

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gerenuk

The gerenuk (Litocranius walleri), also known as the giraffe gazelle, is a long-necked antelope found in the Horn of Africa and the drier parts of East Africa.

The sole member of the genus Litocranius, the gerenuk was first described by the naturalist Victor Brooke in 1878.

It is characterised by its long, slender neck and limbs. The antelope is 80–105 centimetres (31–41 in) tall and weighs between 28 and 52 kilograms (62 and 115 lb).

Two types of colouration are clearly visible on the smooth coat: the reddish brown back or the "saddle" and the lighter flanks, fawn to buff.

The horns, present only on males, are lyre-shaped. Curving backward then slightly forward, these measure 25–44 centimetres (9.8–17.3 in).

Primarily a browser, the gerenuk feed on foliage of bushes as well as trees, shoots, herbs, flowers and fruits. Acacia species are eaten whenever available, while evergreen vegetation forms the diet during droughts.

It can reach higher branches and twigs better than other gazelles and antelopes by standing erect on its hindlegs and elongating its neck; this helps it reach nearly 2 metres (6.6 ft) above the ground.

The pointed mouth assists in extracting leaves from thorny vegetation. The gerenuk does not drink water regularly.

Major predators of the antelope include Cape hunting dogs, cheetahs, hyenas, lions and leopards.