pronghorn
Sign in to saveThe pronghorn (, ) (Antilocapra americana) is a species of artiodactyl (even-toed, hoofed) mammal indigenous to interior western and central North America. Though not an antelope, it is known colloquially in North America as the American antelope, prong buck, pronghorn antelope, and prairie antelope, because it closely resembles the antelopes of the Old World and fills a similar ecological niche due to parallel evolution. It is the only surviving member of the family Antilocapridae.
AI overview
The pronghorn is a hoofed mammal native to interior western and central North America that resembles Old World antelopes and fills a similar ecological role, though it is not a true antelope. It is the sole surviving member of its unique family, Antilocapridae, making it a distinctive part of North American wildlife.
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Article
13 sectionsContents
- Etymology
- European discovery
- Description
- Head
- Scent glands
- Movement
- Range and ecology
- Social behavior and reproduction
- Relationship with humans
- Population and conservation
- Explanatory notes
- References
- External links
The pronghorn (, ) (Antilocapra americana) is a species of artiodactyl (even-toed, hoofed) mammal indigenous to interior western and central North America. Though not an antelope, it is known colloquially in North America as the American antelope, prong buck, pronghorn antelope, and prairie antelope, because it closely resembles the antelopes of the Old World and fills a similar ecological niche due to parallel evolution. It is the only surviving member of the family Antilocapridae.
During the Pleistocene epoch, about 11 other antilocaprid species existed in North America, many with long or spectacularly twisted horns. Three other genera (Capromeryx, Stockoceros and Tetrameryx) existed when humans entered North America, but are now extinct.
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Canadian PrairiesExtant Pleistocene first appearancesFauna listed on CITES Appendix IFauna of the Great PlainsFauna of the Rocky MountainsFauna of the Western United StatesHerbivorous mammalsIUCN Red List least concern speciesMammals described in 1815Mammals of CanadaMammals of MexicoMammals of the United States