There are 2 subspecies of gerenuk antelope - the southern and northern gerenuk. They are sometimes known as Waller's gazelle though they are not strictly gazelle antelope. They are both found in arid thorn bush and the southern gerenuk of Tanzania is one of the unique Masailand animals, sought after by hunters of this area.
Gerenuk Trophy Minimums
| RW Minimum | RW Record | RW Measurement Method | SCI Minimum | SCI Record | SCI Measurement Method |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 133/8" | 175/8" | 7 | 34" | 462/8" | 1 |
| RW Minimum | RW Record | RW Measurement Method | SCI Minimum | SCI Record | SCI Measurement Method |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 13" | 17" | 7 | 34" | 481/8" | 1 |
Where To Hunt Gerenuk
- The southern gerenuk can be hunted in Masailand, northern Tanzania.
- Both the northern and southern gerenuk can be hunted in the lowlands of Ethiopia. The southern gerenuk can be found in the south of Ethiopia, east of the Omo river. The northern gerenuk can be found in the southern Danakil region of Ethiopia, south-east of the Awash River.
The Difference Between A Northern & Southern Gerenuk
There is not much of a physical difference between the 2 gerenuks and may only be an issue if you were a serious collector, wanting one of each and hunting in the areas of Ethiopia where their ranges meet.
The southern gerenuk is a little smaller than the northern gerenuk, with a shorter neck. They are also a little darker in colour so there is more contrast between the darker back and lighter flanks. The white area on the back of the rump is larger than in the northern gerenuk.
Southern Gerenuk
Northern Gerenuk
Gerenuk Hunting Prices (For Informative Use Only)
- In Tanzania, gerenuk is only available on a 21 day licence, however some outfitters offer shorter 'special' Masailand hunts which may include the gerenuk. The Government trophy fee is US$2500 and when Community Development and/or anti-poaching fees are added, you will be paying between US$2500 and US$4800.
- In Ethiopia both the northern and southern gerenuk trophy fee is in the range of US$3000.
Gerenuk Hunting Methods
- Like most antelope hunting, walking and stalking in the likely habitat will be necessary to successfully hunt a gerenuk. They tend to avoid the heat of the day, preferring to feed in early mornings and late evenings.
- However these animals are particularly shy and skittish, so very careful stalking is required or they will be gone in a flash.
A Good Gerenuk Trophy
- Look for good horn length and thick bases.
Gerenuk Hunting Shot Placement
- Do not attempt a neck shot!!
- Gerenuk shot placement is similar to other antelope plains game species. (Look at Impala)
Male Gerenuk Vital Statistics
| Southern Gerenuk | Northern Gerenuk | |
|---|---|---|
| Shoulder Height | 38" 96cm | 39" 100cm |
| Weight | 88lb 40kg | 110lb 50kg |
Gerenuk Habitat and Requirements
- These antelope favour fairly open desert thornbush.
- Due to modified lumbar vertebrae and wedge-shaped hooves, gerenuk can securely stand erect on their hind legs to browse about 2 metres up into trees and bushes.
- Gerenuk are practically never known to drink.
Gerenuk Standing On Hind Legs To Browse
Gerenuk Social Structure
- Gerenuk are found in small mixed herds or batchelor groups.
Gerenuk Gestation Period
- After a gestation period of around 7 months, one offspring is born.
Gerenuk Gender Identification
- Only male gerenuk carry horns which curve backwards and upwards, terminating with hooked tips.
- Males are larger and more heavy in the body.
Gerenuk Trophy Permits (2015)
| CITES | USF&W | EU | AUS |
|---|---|---|---|
| N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Gerenuk Trophy Taxidermy
A gerenuk makes a spectacular full mount display because it is such a strange looking antelope, otherwise they make great shoulder, skull mounts or pedestal displays.
TAXIDERMIST
So Who Is Behind The Name?
The word 'gerenuk' means 'giraffe-necked' in the Somali language.
The gerenuk was named after Horace Waller (1833 - 1901), who was a British missionary and clergyman. He was also a friend of David Livingstone and edited his journals, once he had been located by Stanley.
In 1878 Waller found a gerenuk on the Juba river mouth on the coast of Somaliland and sent it to Walter Brooke, an eminent zoologist, to identify. Brooke thought it to be a new gazelle species and named itGazella walleri. Then an Austrian scientist, Dr Kohl took a closer look at the gerenuk and found it anatomically very different from a true gazelle, so renamed it Lithocranius walleri. Lithocranius means 'stone skull' and refers to the animal's extraordinarily solid posterior skull.