Gerenuk hunting in Tanzania

Gerenuk means ‘giraffe-necked” in the local Somali language. Similar in colour to an Impala but easily identifiable by its exceptionally long neck and relatively small head for its size. Only the males have horns and are thought to be territorial but as yet to be a proven fact. Gerenuk is known as one of the most desirable species of Masailand in Northern Tanzania. This is the only area where the Southern Gerenuk species may be hunted. A shy, skittish species which requires a careful walk and stalk. Gerenuk, a water-independent species and like most antelope species feed in the early morning and late afternoon, resting up in the shade during the midday heat. With splayed hooves and modified lumbar vertebrae, they can stand on their hind legs to feed, sometimes using their front legs to pull down the higher branches. They feed mainly on succulents, flowers, fruit and tender leaves at browse height of 6 – 8 ft (over 2 metres) from the ground. This sought-after trophy is classified as a species of least concern by the IUCN, no special hunting permits are required. These animals may only be hunted on a 21-day license even if offered during a shorter safari.