Scientist on mission to save endangered antelope in Kenya

Hirola, the world’s most endangered antelope.

You may not know that Kenya  is home to the hirola, the world’s most endangered antelope found nowhere else on earth today, having been virtually cleared in neighbouring Somalia where incessant conflicts exposed them to extreme danger.

Popularly referred to by scientists as ‘living fossils’ because of their small numbers, the remaining 500 or so mostly beige (hirola is Somali for beige) shy, slender, antelope distinguished by their long faces and distinctly ringed horns  that reach up to 70 centimeters (28 inches in length) are the only link between the genus Beatragus antelopes and extinction.