pronghorn (Phoenix Zoo - Arizona Trail)

pronghorn

Antilocapra americana

Summary ⁶

The pronghorn (Antilocapra americana) is a species of artiodactyl mammal endemic to interior western and central North America. Though not an antelope, it is often known colloquially in North America as the prong buck, pronghorn antelope, cabri (native American) or simply antelope because it closely resembles the true antelopes of the Old World and fills a similar ecological niche due to convergent evolution. It is the only surviving member of the family Antilocapridae. During the Pleistocene...

Range description ⁷

The Pronghorn occurs in western North America, from the southern Prairie Provinces of Canada (southern Alberta, southern Saskatchewan) south through the western U.S. to northern Mexico (Baja California, Sonora, Hidalgo).

It was introduced on Lanai Island (Hawaii) in 1959, where it reached a population of about 250 in the mid-1960s; however, there were less than 12 in 1983 and it seems headed for extinction (Tomich 1986).

Iucn red list assessment ⁸

Red List Category

Least Concern

Red List Criteria

Version

3.1

Year Assessed

2008

Assessor/s

Hoffmann, M., Byers, J. & Beckmann, J.

Reviewer/s

Mallon, D.P. (Antelope Specialist Group) & Hoffmann, M. (Global Mammal Assessment)

Contributor/s

Justification

Listed as Least Concern as the species remains widespread and relatively common within its range, with a population estimated at between a half to one million animals. No major population declines are reported, with a number of populations occurring in large and well-managed protected areas.