Litocranius walleri (gerenuk)

The gerenuk is a uniquely adapted antelope found across the arid and semi-arid regions of East Africa, from Somalia to Tanzania. Its most distinctive feature is its extremely long, slender neck, which allows it to browse on vegetation high in acacia trees and shrubs that other herbivores cannot reach. Gerenuks are solitary or found in small groups and are most active during the cooler parts of the day. They inhabit the sparse bushlands and savannas of protected areas like Tsavo East, where they are well-suited to the dry conditions and scattered vegetation typical of the Northern Acacia-Commiphora ecosystem. The species is listed as Near Threatened, with populations declining due to habitat loss and competition with livestock.