Legal status Scheduled as "Specially protected game" in KwaZulu-Natal, and listed as "Endangered" in the S
A Red Data Book, but not on any CITES appendices.
Distribution and status There is no reliable evidence to indicate that roan antelopes formerly occurred in
KwaZulu-Natal. Nine animals (4 males and 5 females) from Namibia were introduced to Weenen Nature
Reserve in August 1988,(since removed) and four were bought at a game auction for release at
Karkloof Falls (Private) Nature Reserve near Pietermaritzburg.
Living requirements Roan favour open savanna woodland with medium to tall grass. They feed on the upper parts of
leaves, stems, and inflorescences of only a few favoured grass species (Joubert 1976). Optimum
habitat is limited by their apparent sensitivity to grass species composition and height, as well
as woody plant height and density (Joubert 1976). They are dependent on drinking water. In
favourable habitat roan occur at 1/25 ha.
Social organisation Certain adult males are territorial. These males generally remain with some adult females and
their offspring to form harem-nursery herds, of up to 12 animals (Joubert 1976). Some males occur
singly or in small bachelor herds.
Population dynamics The roan is not a seasonal breeder. Age at first parturition is 31 to 33 months, after a
gestation of 9 months, mean calving interval is 10 months (i.e. a potential of six calves in five
years), and reproductive lifespan is 10 to 12 years (Joubert 1976). Calf mortality in South African
habitats, which are considered sub-optimal, can be as high as 80 % during the first six weeks
(S.J.C. Joubert, National Parks Board, pers. comm.).
Threats None in KwaZulu-Natal.
Human importance The species is not used in KwaZulu-Natal and has not been responsible for any problems.
