The saber-horned antelope possesses long, thin, symmetrical horns that can be up to 1.2m long. This is a very powerful defensive weapon that all predators are afraid of. Therefore, when the antelope counterattacked, the pair of lions panicked and hurriedly ran away.
The saber-horned antelope was once common throughout North Africa. They are starting to decline as a result of climate change. After that, they were also widely hunted for their horns. Today, antelopes are kept in captivity in many special reserves in Tunisia, Morocco and Senegal. The saber-horned antelope was domesticated in ancient Egypt to provide food and sacrifices to the gods. The ancient Roman elite also kept this species.
The antelope is alone, while the lions have up to 8 cubs. This is an extremely attractive opportunity for the lions, they are not easy to pass up this rare opportunity. However, when the whole herd of lions surrounded the antelope, not a single lion could make a decisive attack.
The reason lies in the long sharp horns that the saber-horned antelope possesses. After trying everything but still unable to do anything, the lions are sadly giving up leaving the antelope leisurely on their territory.
Both males and females in the saber-horned antelope possess long straight horns, but the female antelope’s horns are more slender. This pair of horns can be 1 – 1.2m long in both males and females. The saber-horned antelope can live as long as 20 years. At the Smithsonian National Zoo, an antelope died at the age of 21. This is an exception as the female antelope normally only has a lifespan of about 15 years.