East African Mammal Endures Dry Conditions by Choosing Specific Foods
Food and water are essential for the existence of all organisms on Earth. But what if you didn’t require the latter? The gerenuk, a charming, elongated-necked animal native to East Africa, responds to this seemingly unlikely inquiry. A subspecies of antelope found in various regions of eastern Africa, these creatures are specially adapted to endure the heat and aridity of their environment. The term gerenuk is Somali for “giraffe-necked,” a fitting name, considering these mammals’ notably long necks.
As stated by the African Wildlife Foundation (AWF), these adorable gazelles possess smaller heads compared to their relatives, but have larger eyes and ears; like other antelope species, gerenuks are adorned with a two-toned brown coat, along with scent glands situated similarly on their bodies that enable them to mark their territory.
More fascinating than the appearance of gerenuks is their feeding behavior. Besides having remarkably long necks, these gazelles also consume food while standing on their hind legs, occasionally using their front legs to grasp branches that are out of reach. This enables them to access greater heights than most of their family members. The AWF estimates that the diet of the gerenuk consists of approximately 80 different plant species.
This diet, while selective, is what grants gerenuks the extraordinary ability to survive without drinking water. These long-necked antelopes favor feasting on succulents above all else. Succulent plants are named because they typically retain a high concentration of water within their leaves and stems, making them an ideal food source for our furry companions. Thus, although they might seem to be discerning eaters, gerenuks have effectively navigated the evolutionary process by extracting all the moisture they require from their food sources.
In spite of this remarkable natural benefit, the gerenuk population is confronted with several threats to its survival, primarily habitat loss and fragmentation. With the expanding human population and settlements intruding on once undisturbed territories, gerenuks are encountering increasing challenges in securing adequate protection from predators and stable sources of nutrition.
The AWF indicates that there are fewer than 100,000 of these animals left, and that they have experienced a 25% decline in their numbers over the past 14 years. This suggests that these long-necked mammals are perilously close to being classified as having a “vulnerable” population status if their circumstances do not improve. An incredible illustration of resilience in one of Earth’s most challenging environments, the gerenuk is a natural marvel in its own right. Nevertheless, without focused conservation initiatives, these uniquely adapted creatures may become another species we lose to human development.
To discover more about the gerenuk, visit the African Wildlife Foundation website.