Search

The breeding of a Royal antelope

[av_one_full first min_height=” vertical_alignment=” space=” custom_margin=” margin=’0px’ padding=’0px’ border=” border_color=” radius=’0px’ background_color=” src=” background_position=’top left’ background_repeat=’no-repeat’ animation=” mobile_breaking=” mobile_display=”]

[av_textblock size=” font_color=” color=” av-medium-font-size=” av-small-font-size=” av-mini-font-size=” custom_class=” admin_preview_bg=”]

Herd of Sable Antelope on Selati Game Reserve (c) Cara Pring

Selati Private Game Reserve has been breeding Sable since 2007 and this breeding programme has sustained 85% of Selati’s expenses. Prior to 1993 Selati was dominated by cattle farmers and the land was dotted with artificial watering holes. One of the main objectives of this successful game farm is associated with the concept of life.

This refers to the maintenance of the natural resources and processes in a manner which sustains life.

Sable are truly specific and particular in their needs, they don’t like the company of other animals and require tall grass to hide their calves. Due to the placement of the artificial watering holes, the regular movement of grazers and browsers was halted. Over utilised lands led to the Sable calves being vulnerable without the protecting plains of tall grass. Predator numbers grew and antelope numbers plummeted.

Sable Antelope (c) Cara Pring

A giant ripple effect was set into motion because of these incorrect farming practices and so Selati has been trying to resolve this problem by closing off various artificial watering points and of course breeding with hundreds of Sable. Reserve management has already released close to 80 Sables back into the wild. Most of the breeding herds are kept in 500 hectare camps, where a dominant bull (whom fetches quite the price) looks after his harem of females. Most Sable are bought and sold nationwide and numbers are looking good with over 15000 Sable in both private and national parks combined.

The next time you see a Sable, praise the animal by ways of a cultural sound known as ululating and know that it is beast of perfect harmony, of strength and grace of light and dark.
[/av_textblock]

[/av_one_full]

About the Author:
Picture of David Havemann

David Havemann

Explore more

Blog

When you’re almost a Field Guide

A practical course at EcoTraining takes a healthy dose of commitment, thorough studying and quite a bit of elbow grease. But once you’ve invested all that time and effort, that magical moment comes when all the hard work is about to pay off. The final week on a 35-day practical really is something quite special. In this story, Belgian graduate Wim looks back on his ‘final straight’, in a story full of achievement and happy moments that would create ever-lasting friendships. The kind of story, really, that only the bush can tell…

Read more
Blog

Career Pathways Beyond Field Guiding

Becoming a certified field guide is often seen as a dream job—immersed in the wild, leading guests through unforgettable encounters with Africa’s iconic wildlife, and spending every day surrounded by nature’s untamed beauty. Yet, many don’t realize that earning a field guide qualification is much more than a passport to life on safari and in the bush; it’s a gateway to many diverse and fulfilling careers.

Read more
Blog

What is a Primitive Trail?

Sleeping under the stars for a couple of nights, carrying everything you need on your back, immersing yourself with nature without any interruptions: A primitive trail is not only a big adventure but also the perfect opportunity to experience the bush on a deeper level. But what about water, food and basic hygiene? We answer all your questions.

Read more

Start your wildlife career

Want to become a field or nature guide? Explore our immersive courses and training programmes for professional safari guides and guardians of nature, taught and led by experts in the industry.

EcoTraining offers career and accredited courses, wildlife enthusiast courses, gap year programmes and customised group travel courses.

Join our nature-loving community.