Four-horned Antelope or Chousingha | Online Record Book Preview

Tetracerus quadricornis

Antilope de cuatro cuernos (Sp), Vierhornantilope (G), Tetracère (F). Also called chousingha, which is Hindustani for "four horns." Scientific name is from the Greek tetra (four) and keras (animal horn), and the Latin quadri (four) and cornu (animal horn).

NOTES  Use Method Form 1A, measure all four horns, adding in spaces for the two smaller horns.

DESCRIPTION Shoulder height about 24 inches (61 cm). Weight 35-45 pounds (16-20 kg).

Has the distinction of being the only antelope with two pairs of horns. Horns (males only) are short, conical and smooth. The rear horns are much the longer; the front horns are sometimes only stubs that do not protrude through the skin. The coat is short, thin and coarse. General color is a dull reddish-brown with white underparts. Muzzle, back of ears, and a line down the front of each leg are blackish-brown. Hoofs are small and rounded in front.

BEHAVIOR Solitary or in pairs. Mates during the July-September rainy season, with 1-3 young born 7-1/2 to 8 months later. Lives as long as 10 years in zoos.

A grazer that drinks water regularly. Shy and swift, retreating to dense cover at the first sign of danger. Has a peculiar jerky manner of walking or running.

HABITAT Open forest near water and with dense cover nearby.

DISTRIBUTION India and Nepal.