Durán's Colelope

## Species

Nusa durani

**Durán's colelope** (*Nusa durani*) is a species of colelope in the tribe Colelopini that is native to parts of southern and eastern Ontura. It originally considered part of the same genus as other true colelopes, *Colelopa*, but has since been reevaluated as a separate genus.

It is easily recognizable and is the most common colelope in the world. They are commonly found in herds of over 1,000 individuals and is one of the fastest animals in the world, reaching speeds of up to 80 km/h (50 mph).

## Description

Durán's colelope is a rather small species of colelope, standing at around 50 cm (19.6 in) tall at the shoulder. Males can weigh between 15 - 25 kg (33.0 - 55.1 lbs) and females can weigh between 10 - 15 kg (22.0 - 33.0 lbs). Uniquely compared to other colelope species of other genera, Durán's colelope lacks facial markings, with their head being uniformly the same color.

Their coat is tan, sometimes reddish with a white or cream-colored underside that matches their facial color and tail. They are most distinguishable from other colelopes by their dark brown bands that run across their flanks, from the upper foreleg to the hind leg. Uniquely, both males and females of the species possess horns, however a female's horns are significantly smaller. The horns are ringed and pointed slightly backwards, with the males reaching average lengths of around 20 cm (7.8 in) and the females reaching average lengths of around 10 cm (3.9 in).

## Ecology

Durán's colelope lives mainly in the grasslands found south of the Wicanki Basin in Ontura, however they can also be found in subtropical rainforest edges and more arid savannahs. The largest recorded herd size of Durán's colelope was a group that lived in a reserve around Caje Lake in Puba, with over 1,250 individuals recorded in a single herd.

Herds that live in savannahs tend to migrate northwards during the dry season towards the more temperate grasslands and subtropical rainforests. They typically graze for grass and other small vegetation during the wet season, however they can also browse, though they do this more during the dry season.

The exact lifespan of a Durán's colelope in the wild is unknown, likely being between 10 - 15 years, however captive individuals can live for up to 20 years.

## Distribution

Durán's colelope has a large range and is the southernmost species within the Colelopini tribe, with all other members of the tribe being found north of the Logando Rainforest. They are native to the grasslands just south of the Logando Rainforest, though they can be found around the subtropical edges of the rainforest, as well as parts of the savannah close to the more temperate grasslands that they rely on for food.

They are found in a handful of countries in sub-jalioponga Ontura, including Nacai, Costa Lomgia, Sawmi, Dorji, Costa Eco, Copu, Puba, and Guamdo, however most populations are found along the Jevub River in Sawmi and Costa Lomgia, as well as the Haia River (including Caje Lake) in Puba and Copu.

## Status and conservation

The estimated wild population of Durán's colelope is around 550,000 individuals, however their population has declined by around 40% between 1970 and 2015. Threats to Durán's colelope are mainly habitat modification and destruction.

There are several reserves and conservation efforts across their range in several countries to help combat the declining population.