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Physical Characteristics
One of the most impressive antelopes found in East Africa is the sable. Because of habitat destruction and poaching, it is also one of the most endangered.
The sable is a rotund, barrel-chested antelope with a short neck, long face and dark mane. Both males and females have impressive ringed horns that rise vertically and curve backwards, and can reach up to 5.5 feet in length. When they arch their necks and stand with their head held high and tails outstretched, they resemble horses. This flexed-neck position makes sables appear larger than they really are. The males maintain this position even when they gallop, as the arched neck is an important manifestation of dominance.
As they grow older, sables change color. Calves are born a reddish-brown, with virtually no markings. As they age, the white markings appear and the rest of the coat gets darker—the older the animal, the more striking the contrast.
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