Skip to content

The Hirola: Africa’s forgotten antelope

The Hirola, also called the “four-eyed antelope” due to its distinct facial markings, is one of Africa’s most endangered and unique species. Native to a small region between Kenya and Somalia, this critically endangered antelope is not only rare but also a biological marvel. Known as the last surviving member of its genus, Beatragus, the Hirola is often referred to as a “living fossil” due to its ancient evolutionary lineage. Despite this, the Hirola faces a precarious future, with fewer than 500 individuals left in the wild.

What is the Hirola?

The Hirola (Beatragus hunteri) is a medium-sized antelope distinguished by its graceful appearance and light tan coat. Its most striking feature is the huge pre-orbital glands beneath their eyes which give it the appearance of having four eyes. This antelope primarily inhabits the arid grasslands and savannas of the North Eastern part of Kenya and South Somalia.

HirolaWhy have Hirolas declined?

The Hirola population began to plummet in the 1980s due to a catastrophic outbreak of rinderpest, a viral disease that swept across Africa and decimated ungulate populations. During this outbreak, Hirolas lost between 85% and 90% of their population, reducing their numbers from approximately 15,000 to just a few hundred.

Though rinderpest was later eradicated, the Hirola population never fully recovered. The reasons behind this ongoing decline are more complex and linked primarily to rangeland degradation.

The human population within the Hirola’s natural habitat saw a significant increase during the latter half of the 20th century, which led to a rise in the number of refugee camps, settlements, and livestock. Additionally, there has been a shift among local pastoralists from a nomadic lifestyle to a more sedentary one. This change has resulted in the loss of pastureland due to overgrazing.

Moreover, increasing bush encroachment—where trees and shrubs overtake open grasslands—exacerbates the issue. Hirolas depend on clear visibility to spot predators, and as tree cover expands, they lose access to vital grasslands. Consequently, Hirolas are pushed into less favourable habitats, raising their extinction risk.

Hirola Translocation

In 1963, before even the rinderpest outbreak, Hirola were considered in need of protection. The Kenya Wildlife Services saw fit to translocate a small population, 30 strong, of Hirola antelope from their normal range, in north-eastern Kenya, to the Tsavo East National Park.

Hirola
Hirola antelope in Tsavo Conservation Area

A living fossil on the brink of extinction

The Hirola’s evolutionary uniqueness is one of the reasons conservationists are so eager to save it. The species has no close relatives and represents a significant branch on the evolutionary tree, making its survival critical for biodiversity. However, despite these efforts, the Hirola is critically endangered, with fewer than 500 individuals left in the wild, primarily in Kenya’s Ishaqbini Hirola Conservancy.

Conservation efforts: Can the Hirola be saved?

Thankfully, several conservation initiatives are in place to reverse the Hirola’s decline.

The Hirola Conservation Program works on habitat restoration, which includes clearing invasive plant species and managing tree cover to create a more suitable environment for Hirola and other grazing species. This organization focuses on community involvement and education, ensuring that local populations are engaged in conservation efforts while balancing their pastoral needs​.

Another significant organization is the Northern Rangelands Trust, which collaborates with communities to establish conservancies that protect wildlife and promote sustainable land use practices. This approach encourages local stewardship of resources, allowing communities to benefit directly from conservation initiatives​.

Why the Hirola matters

The Hirola is not just important for Kenya and Somalia, but for the world. Its unique evolutionary history makes it a global conservation priority. Losing the Hirola would mean the extinction of an entire genus, a loss that would have profound implications for biodiversity. Conservation of the Hirola also plays a critical role in maintaining the delicate balance of Kenya’s grassland ecosystems.

Moreover, the Hirola represents the intersection of conservation and human livelihoods. The protection of Hirola habitats ensures sustainable rangelands for local communities, preserving traditional pastoral ways of life.

The fight to save the Hirola

The Hirola’s future remains uncertain, but conservation efforts provide a glimmer of hope. By supporting organizations working on the ground to protect these antelopes, and by raising awareness about their plight, we can all play a part in saving this ancient and remarkable species from extinction. Time is running out, but with collective action, the Hirola can be given a fighting chance.

Back To Top