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The Lelwel hartebeest (Alcelaphus buselaphus lelwel), also known as the Jackson’s hartebeest, is one of six subspecies of the hartebeest (Alcelaphus buselaphus). This subspecies is native to Chad, the Central African Republic, Sudan, Tanzania, Ethiopia, Kenya, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Uganda.
Its chosen habitats include grasslands, savannas, and wooded grasslands and they normally live in herds of up to 20 members, but these can grow substantially and even number thousands. This hartebeest can reproduce year-round, with a gestation period of around 240 days. A single calf is born, usually just before the rainy season.
Although they are generally calm, should they be wounded or feel threatened, they can turn quite vicious. Predators of the antelope are, amongst others, lions, leopards, and hyenas, while cheetahs and jackals target the young. Crocodiles are also known to prey on the hartebeest.
The Lelwel hartebeest is classified as endangered by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
Name:
Alcelaphus buselaphus lelwel
Male Weight:
170-350 pounds
Male Shoulder Height:
48 inches
Range:
Central and East Africa
Life span:
10-20 years
The Jackson’s Hartebeest is known for its agility and alertness
This is a large African plains game antelope, with a distinctive hump on its shoulders and a sloping back. It is regarded as a tough antelope, with a long neck, slender body, and long legs. Its head is elongated, as is its forehead. Its coat is reddish-brown, with a light rump, whitish underbelly, and a black tail. Both sexes have lengthy, rigid, curved horns that look Z-shaped from the side, and V-shaped from the front.
These animals are active during the day, especially at dawn and dusk, gathering in herds to graze and they will sometimes graze amongst wildebeest and impala. They have very good eyesight but a poor sense of smell and are extremely wary and vigilant. When spooked, they are known to take off in a single file run and can reach speeds of 45 miles per hour. Targeting the Lelwel hartebeest on a game hunting safari requires the utmost patience, waiting for the right opportunity and then seizing it with both hands. A good tactic for this situation is to hunt from higher ground. Shot placement as with every African hunting safari remains paramount. Correct shot placement ensures a swift and humane death for the animal. Avoid high-risk shots and aim for the vitals.
Lelwel hartebeest hunting safaris require patience, persistence, and perseverance! These antelopes are regarded as extremely intelligent (they have one member on the lookout for danger while they graze) and they are cautious. They are known for their good eyesight, which then means that the hunter needs to be even more cautious and alert when stalking the herd to approach it undetected. This is an unusual-looking antelope and will make a great addition to any game hunting trophy room.
Hunting the Lelwel hartebeest in Africa will require a good flat shooting rifle fitted with good quality optics. A .270 caliber shooting 130 expanding bullets is a minimum requirement when targeting this African plains game trophy. They are best hunted with .30 caliber rifles shooting a minimum of 180-grain. This combination will get the job done quickly and efficiently. The Lelwel hartebeest are tough African antelope and shot placement is critical to ensure a successful African hunting safari.
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