# gerenuk (*Litocranius walleri*) The gerenuk is a tall, graceful antelope that can stand on its hind legs to reach high leaves. With its long neck and big eyes, it looks very special in the wild! - **Category:** [Mammals](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/mammal) - **Rarity:** Common - **Danger:** 2/5 · Low - **Habitat:** Savannas ![gerenuk](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Redirect/file/San_Diego_Zoo_Avril_2013_05.JPG&width=800) Photo: Abujoy, CC BY 3.0 · [Wikimedia Commons](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:San_Diego_Zoo_Avril_2013_05.JPG) ## Appearance The gerenuk is a slender antelope distinguished by its remarkably long neck and thin legs. It has a reddish-brown coat with lighter undersides and a distinct white ring around its large eyes. Males possess short, sturdy, ringed horns. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Animalia - **Phylum:** Chordata - **Class:** Mammalia - **Order:** Artiodactyla - **Family:** Bovidae - **Genus:** Litocranius ## Interesting facts - Gerenuk babies hide for weeks after birth, camouflaged by their spots! - Gerenuk males rub scent from glands onto twigs to mark their territory for rivals! - Its name means 'long-necked' in Somali, perfectly describing this unique antelope! - Unlike most antelope, gerenuks rarely graze on grass; they are specialized browsers! ## Special abilities - **Stilt Walker:** Gerenuks can stand on their hind legs to reach high branches, supported by strong leg muscles. - **Neck Extender:** Their extra-long neck helps them access leaves and twigs other browsers simply can't reach. - **Water Saver:** Gerenuks stay hydrated by eating succulent plants, rarely needing to drink any water. - **Bush Browser:** A long, agile tongue and pointed muzzle let them precisely pick leaves and thorns. ## Measurements & details - **Length:** 140-160 cm - **Weight:** 29-52 kg - **Lifespan:** 8-12 years - **Speed:** 60 km/h - **Litter Size:** 1 - **Gestation:** 180-210 days ## Diet & Feeding These unique antelopes are expert browsers, munching on leaves, shoots, and flowers from shrubs. - **Primary Foods:** leaves, shoots, flowers, fruits, buds, twigs - **Foraging Method:** Foraging ## Ecological connections - **Eaten by:** lion (*Panthera leo*) — Gerenuks are a prey animal for the mighty African lion. - **Eaten by:** [leopard](https://www.snappit.app/explore/leopard) (*Panthera pardus*) — Leopards are ambush predators that hunt gerenuks. - **Eaten by:** cheetah (*Acinonyx jubatus*) — Cheetahs prey on gerenuks, using their speed. - **Eats:** umbrella thorn acacia (*Acacia tortilis*) — Gerenuks frequently browse on the leaves and shoots of acacia trees. ## Traits - [Furry](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/furry): Furry describes animals possessing a dense covering of soft hair or fur. - [Social](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/social): Social animals live in organized groups, cooperating for survival benefits such as foraging, defense, and raising offspring. - [Herbivorous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/herbivorous): This trait characterizes organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of plant material. - [Savanna](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/savanna): This habitat trait denotes species native to savannas, which are grasslands with scattered trees, typically found in tropical or subtropical regions with distinct wet and dry seasons. - [Diurnal](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/diurnal): Diurnal animals are primarily active during daylight hours, typically resting or sleeping at night. - [Endangered](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/endangered): Endangered status indicates a species is at a very high risk of extinction in the wild in the near future. ## Collections - [Mammals](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/mammals) ## Safety **Danger:** 2/5 · Low Always watch animals from a safe distance and never try to touch or feed them. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How to identify gerenuk? Compare ears, muzzle, tail, feet and coat markings. Size is hard to judge without something nearby for scale, and young mammals may not have adult coloring yet. Mammal Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details. ### How long is gerenuk? 140-160 cm ### How much does gerenuk weigh? 29-52 kg ### How long does gerenuk live? 8-12 years ### How fast can gerenuk move? 60 km/h ### What does gerenuk eat? These unique antelopes are expert browsers, munching on leaves, shoots, and flowers from shrubs. ### Where is gerenuk usually found? Savannas ### How does gerenuk hunt? Foraging ## More Mammals - [Eastern Fox Squirrel](https://www.snappit.app/explore/eastern-fox-squirrel) (*Sciurus niger*) - [Eastern Cottontail](https://www.snappit.app/explore/eastern-cottontail) (*Sylvilagus floridanus*) - [Eastern Chipmunk](https://www.snappit.app/explore/eastern-chipmunk) (*Tamias striatus*) - [California Ground Squirrel](https://www.snappit.app/explore/california-ground-squirrel) (*Otospermophilus beecheyi*) --- Source: [Gerenuk: Characteristics, Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/gerenuk)