Animal profile

Gerenuk

Litocranius walleri

MammaliaArid thornbush, dry scrub and semi-desertNear Threatened

Field profile

The gerenuk is a slender, exceptionally long-necked antelope of arid east Africa, its name taken from a Somali term meaning giraffe-necked. Only males carry horns. It browses on thorny shrubs and is notable for feeding while standing upright on its hind legs.

Published field notes

2026-07-06

Gerenuk

The gerenuk may never drink standing water

This long-necked antelope of the dry Horn of Africa appears to meet its water needs entirely from the leaves it browses. Observers report no confirmed drinking even where water is available nearby.

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