Long-necked Antelopes

The gerenuk (Litocranius walleri), also known as the giraffe gazelle, is a long-necked, medium-sized antelope found mainly in the Somali region of East Africa. The sole member of the genus Litocranius, the gerenuk was first described by naturalist Victor Brooke in 1879. It is characterised by its long, slender neck and limbs. The antelope is 80–105 centimetres (2 feet 7 inches – 3 feet 5 inches) tall, and weighs between 18 and 52 kg (40 and 115 lb). Two types of colouration are clearly visible on the smooth coat, the reddish brown back or the "saddle" and the lighter flanks of fawn to buff. The horns, present only on males, are lyre-shaped. Curving backward then slightly forward, these measure 25–44 cm (10–17+1⁄2 in).