Conservation implications of fossil roan antelope (Hippotragus equinus) in Southern Africa's Cape Floristic Region

Faith, J. Tyler (2012). Conservation implications of fossil roan antelope (Hippotragus equinus) in Southern Africa's Cape Floristic Region. In Julien Louys (Ed.), Paleontology in ecology and conservation (pp. 239-251) New York, United States: Springer.


Author Faith, J. Tyler
Title of chapter Conservation implications of fossil roan antelope (Hippotragus equinus) in Southern Africa's Cape Floristic Region
Formatted title Conservation implications of fossil roan antelope (Hippotragus equinus) in Southern Africa's Cape Floristic Region
Title of book Paleontology in ecology and conservation
Place of Publication New York, United States
Publisher Springer
Publication year 2012
Sub-type Critical scholarly text
Series Springer Earth System Sciences
Editor Julien Louys
ISBN 9783642250378
Chapter number 12
Start page 239
End page 251
Total pages 13
Total chapters 13
Collection year 2013
Language eng
Formatted Abstract/Summary Southern Africa’s Cape Floristic Region (CFR) is a global priority for
conservation action, with 41 native large mammal species considered in ongoing
conservation schemes. This study reviews historic and paleozoological evidence
suggesting that an additional species – the roan antelope (Hippotragus equinus) – is
native to the region and warrants consideration in conservation efforts. A single
observation in 1778 suggests that a population of roan antelope formerly inhabited
the CFR in the vicinity of Plettenberg Bay (Western Cape, South Africa). The fossil
record is consistent with this observation, showing that roan antelope inhabited the
southern coast of the CFR for the last ~20,000 years. Roan antelope were likely
extirpated from the CFR during the late 1700s, broadly corresponding to the
extinction of the blue antelope (H. leucophaeus) and the near-extinction of the
bontebok (Damaliscus pygargus pygargus). If the goal of conservation efforts is to
establish viable populations of extant species that are native to the region, then roan
antelope is a prime candidate for conservation action and reintroduction to the CFR.
Keyword Blue antelope
Cape Floristic Region
Conservation biogeography
Native species
Roan antelope
Roan antelope
Q-Index Code B1
Q-Index Status Confirmed Code
Institutional Status UQ

Document type: Book Chapter
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Created: Tue, 04 Sep 2012, 15:14:31 EST by Tyler Faith on behalf of School of Social Science