Auricular flags in ungulates

(writing in progress)

Auricular flag in Equus quagga boehmi https://fineartamerica.com/featured/a-lot-of-zebras-run-over-the-grassland-in-kenya-cavan-images.html

The following is one of the few photos of the eland (Taurotragus oryx) showing its (subtle and slight) auricular flag: https://www.gettyimages.ie/detail/photo/eland-royalty-free-image/1075436994?adppopup=true.

The following is an unusually clear illustration of an auricular flag in the impala: https://www.dreamstime.com/herd-african-impala-grass-meadow-serengeti-savanna-tanzania-safari-trip-large-golden-grumeti-reserve-forest-wildlife-image165265684. The back of the head is more conspicuous in the impala than in other antelopes, partly owing to the dark distal third of the ears. What is less well-known is that this is offset, when the light is at a certain angle, by a sheen that converts the normally fawn fur of the back of the crown to whitish. The dark/pale flag thus achieved is unique to the impala. The sheen is easily observed in the field but has seldom been photographed well. Some indication can be seen in https://www.offset.com/photos/herd-of-female-impala-serengeti-national-park-tanzania-africa-1006735.

The following shows an auricular flag of the puku (Kobus vardoni): https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/91942253. This is similar to that of the impala.

(writing in progress)

Posted on Δεκέμβριος 20, 2021 1154 ΜΜ by milewski milewski

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