Tetracerus quadricornis
four-horned antelope

Tetracerus quadricornis is found only in India and Nepal (Nowak, 1999; Walker, 1995).

Four-horned antelopes are found primarily in wooded areas in India. The species is still widely distributed throughout its range. T. quadricornis uses the hilly country and tall grassy areas for shelter. It prefers open forests and is rarely seen, dashing into thick cover at the first sign of danger (MacDonald, 1984).

T. quadricornis weighs between 15 and25 kg. The body length is 80-110 cm, with a shoulder height of 55-65 cm, and a tail length of 10-15cm. The hair is short, coarse, and thin, with sexually dimorphic brownish color above and lighter on sides. The insides of the legs are white along with the middle of the belly. Males are dull-red brown above, with white below, and have a dark stripe that runs down the front of each leg. Older males are yellowish. Females typically are a brownish-bay color. The horns, only on males, are smooth, short, and conical. The posterior set range from 80 to100 mm in length. The front two are typically 25-38 mm long, and sometimes only a raised black area of skin is present. The muzzle and outer surface of the ears are blackish brown. The small hooves are split and rounded in the front. Four-horned Antelopes are unique, being the only bovids with four horns (Nowak, 1999; Walker, 1995; Macdonald, 1984).

T. quadricornis in captivity can live up to 10 years of age (Nowak, 1999).

T. quadricornis is not gregarious, and rarely are more than two individuals found together. These animals are sedentary and inhabit the same region throughout their lives. It is not known whether or not territories are formed or defended. In the rut, males have been found to be extremely aggressive to other males. They can be easily tamed when young, but have been found to be extremely delicate in captivity. Population densities are thought to be less than 0.5 animals per square kilometer (Nowak, 1999; Walker, 1995; Macdonald, 1984).

T. quadricornis is primarily a grazer. The primary foods of these antelope are grasses, shoots, and fruit. They are rarely found far from water (Nowak, 1995).

The predators of T. quadricornis are tigers, leopards, wolves, dhole, and small cats. Information on anti-predator adaptations are not available, but they are likely to rely primarily on vigilance and speed to escape predators.

The role of this species within its ecosystem has not been evaluated. Because it is a prey species, it probably affects predator populations to the extent that those predators rely upon T. quadricornis for food. It also has a likely role in affecting plant communities through its browsing behavior.

No negative affects on humans have been reported.

T. quadricornis may be eaten by people in India and Nepal, but it is reportedly not as good to eat as are other antelopes. This species is sought after by trophy hunters because of its unique horns. In India ecotours are offered and one the top attractions is often the four-horned antelope. It is also a species sought after by zoos. (Nowak, 1999)

T. quadricornis is currently listed by the IUCN as vulnerable and is on CITES Appendix III in Nepal. The habitat of this species is being fragmented by human activities (Nowak, 1999).

These animals are very wary and rarely viewed in the wild and not much is known about them due to their elusive nature. Population estimates range from 1,000 to 10,000 animals. They have a pecular jerky manner in the way they walk and run. They are sometimes confused with hog deer, but their movements distinguish the two easily (MacDonald, 1984).