North American saiga antelope (SciiFii)

A North American saiga antelope (Saiga tatarica americanum), also known as the North American saiga, the American saiga, and the American saiga antelope, is a subspecies of saiga antelope that originally did not exist, but has since been created by SciiFii and introduced throughout the open woodlands, meadows, grasslands, shrublands, and scrublands across North America to help boost biodiversity and to replace the extinct Pleistocene populations of saiga antelope that used to live in North America, making it the only known true antelope species native to North America. The North American saiga antelope stands 61–81 cm (24–32 in) at the shoulder, and weighs 26–69 kg (57–152 lb). The head-and-body length is typically between 100 and 140 cm (39 and 55 in). A prominent feature of the saiga is the pair of closely spaced, bloated nostrils directed downward. Other facial features include the dark markings on the cheeks and the nose, and the 7–12 cm (3–4 1⁄2 in) long ears. During summer migrations, a saiga's nose helps filter out dust kicked up by the herd and cools the animal's blood. In the winter, it heats up the frigid air before it is taken to the lungs. The coat shows seasonal changes. In summer, the coat appears yellow to red, fading toward the flanks. The Nevadan and New Mexican populations of the North American saiga can develop a sandy colour. The coat develops a pale, grayish-brown colour in winter, with a hint of brown on the belly and the neck. Only males possess horns. These horns, thick and slightly translucent, are wax-coloured and show 12 to 20 pronounced rings. Saigas form very large herds that graze in semideserts, steppes, grasslands, and possibly open woodlands, eating several species of plants, including some that are poisonous to other animals. They can cover long distances and swim across rivers, but they avoid steep or rugged areas. The mating season starts in November, when stags fight for the acceptance of females. The winner leads a herd of five to 50 females. In springtime, mothers come together in mass to give birth. Two-thirds of births are twins; the remaining third of births are single calves. North American saigas, like the criticaly endangered Eurasian saigas, are known for their extensive migrations across the steppes that allow them to escape natural calamities. Saigas are highly vulnerable to wolves, running hyenas, hyaenodonts, entelodonts, predatory bears, and dark feys. Juveniles are targeted by foxes, Woodward's eagles, golden eagles, dholes, feral dogs, and ravens. Unlike the critically endangered, the conservation status of the North American saiga antelope is Least Concern due to successful conservation efforts, the North American saiga's wide range, its immunity against any kind of diseases and viruses, and its tolerance to most of human activities.
Category:Animals
Category:Species
Category:SciiFii