Physical Characteristics
The Roan antelope is large with grey or brown fur and with long, tasseled ears. The Roan has a distinct black and white “clown” mask, which is darker in males than in females. The fourth largest in size of the antelopes, both the males and females have backward-curving horns, although they are shorter in females.

 

Habitation

The roan is found in the savannas of Africa extending  from Senegal to western Ethiopia, and south across East Africa to South Africa, northern Botswana, and Namibia.
The roan antelope inhabits open or lightly wooded grassland, with medium to tall grass and access to water. It avoids areas of short grass, and prefers locations where there are few other herbivores and predators.
 

Behavior
Roans are active both during the day and at night, but mostly in the morning and evening. They live in small-to-medium herds of 6 to 20 females and young, usually accompanied by a male.
They breed all year round. After a single calf is born, the mother will conceal it in tall grass and not wander too far from it. The Roan can run up to 35 miles per hour.

Diet
Roans primarily graze grass, but will also browse shrubs and herbs. They are very much water-dependent.

Threats and Predators
Roan calves are vulnerable to hyenas, leopards, and wild dogs. Although the roan is neither listed as endangered nor critically threatened, populations are declining. This is because of Factors such as habitat loss and poaching contribute to this.