Image for Antilocapra americana (Pronghorn)

Antilocapra americana (Pronghorn)

Antilocapra americana, commonly known as the pronghorn, is a swift, North American mammal native to grasslands and open ranges. Often mistaken for an antelope, it is unique to the continent and is known for its incredible speed, capable of reaching up to 60 miles per hour to escape predators. The pronghorn has a slender body, long legs, and distinctive horns layered with a keratin sheath that is shed annually by males. It primarily feeds on grasses, shrubs, and forbs, and plays a vital role in its ecosystem as a herbivore. Despite its agility, the pronghorn faces threats from habitat loss and hunting, but conservation efforts have helped stabilize its population.