Coke’s Hartebeest hunting in Africa

The Coke’s hartebeest (Alcelaphus buselaphus cokii), also known as the Kongoni, might not be the most widely desired of all the African plains game hunting trophies, but it provides hunters with a great challenge nonetheless. They can be found in their native territories of northern Tanzania, where hunting in the wild is allowed, and through to central Kenya, where hunting is closed. Its conservation status is that of “least concern” as listed by the International Union of Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

These migratory creatures herd in groups ranging from 6–20 members. The general herd features a dominant male, females, and their offspring. Males are territorial and will fight to keep their breeding space. These herds are closed to outsiders. Male-only herds exist and can reach up to 35 members.

Coke’s hartebeest mate throughout the year and females gestate for 9–10 months, meaning they can carry a calf while still having offspring to rear. Pregnant females often isolate from the herd, sometimes allowing only the previous calf to accompany them. Females and newborn calves can isolate for up to two weeks after the birth, with the calf being up and about, walking around, within 10 minutes of birth. 

Male calves remain with their mother for two years. They may then be chased off by the dominant bull at three years unless they run off before that time.

They inhabit savanna and grassland areas, preferring medium to tall grassland areas. They feed mainly on grasses but consume tubers and fruit for extra water. The availability of food can influence their breeding season.

Strangely enough, the Coke’s Hartebeest falls prey to only a few big game hunting predators. Big cats, including leopards, will prey on the young antelope, but even then, it’s seldom. Only lions are brave enough to tackle an adult Coke’s hartebeest and often come off second best, with the hartebeest using their sharp horns to gauge and injure the attacker.