Conservation implications of fossil roan antelope (Hippotragus equinus) in Southern Africa’s cape floristic region

Abstract

Southern Africa’s Cape Floristic Region (CFR) is a global priority for conservation action, with 41 native large mammal species considered in ongoing conservation schemes. This study reviews historic and paleozoological evidence suggesting that an additional species - the roan antelope (Hippotragus equinus) - is native to the region and warrants consideration in conservation efforts. A single observation in 1778 suggests that a population of roan antelope formerly inhabited the CFR in the vicinity of Plettenberg Bay (Western Cape, South Africa). The fossil record is consistent with this observation, showing that roan antelope inhabited the southern coast of the CFR for the last ~20,000 years. Roan antelope were likely extirpated from the CFR during the late 1700s, broadly corresponding to the extinction of the blue antelope (H. leucophaeus) and the near-extinction of the bontebok (Damaliscus pygargus pygargus). If the goal of conservation efforts is to establish viable populations of extant species that are native to the region, then roan antelope is a prime candidate for conservation action and reintroduction to the CFR.