The handsome sable antelope of eastern and southern Africa belongs to a group called sabre-horned antelopes, because of their long, scimitar-shaped horns. Those of the sable antelope are covered with ring-like ridges. Adult males often reach 1.5 m at the shoulder and can weigh over 270 kg. They are glossy black except for white markings on their face and underparts, with a tufted tail and slight mane. Sable antelopes are gregarious, nomadic animals. They roam the dry acacia country of Africa in large herds, usually led by a master bull, and they feed on grass and plant life. Sable antelopes were much sought by hunters. Ernest Hemingway, who used to hunt sable antelopes, gives an interesting account of their habits in his book, The Green Hills of Africa. Lions are about the only predators strong enough to bring down a healthy sable.
