Gerenuk is a type of antelope that belongs to the bovid family. It inhabits semi arids, deserts and dry bushy savannas. It can be seen in Meru National Park. This animal is classified as near threatened, which means that it can become endangered in the future.
It can reach 55 to 63 inches in length and 64 to 114 pounds of weight. Males are larger than females. Gerenuk has reddish-brown hairs on the back and yellowish –brown hairs on the side. Bottom part of the body is covered with entire white hairs.
Gerenuk is an herbivore. Its diet is based on leaves, shoots, flowers and vines. Since it inhabits dry habitats, gerenuk extracts all the moisture it needs from the food.
The main predators of the gerenuks are leopards, lions, cheetahs, jackals and wild dogs. It can mate all year round and the female can be ready to reproduce shortly after they give birth.
Gerenuk can survive 8 years in the wild and up 13 years in captivity.
