The pronghorn (Antilocapra americana) is the sole surviving member of the family Antilocapridae, placed within the order Artiodactyla. Native to the open grasslands, sagebrush steppes, and semi‑desert regions of western North America, its range extends from southern Canada through the United States into northern Mexico. Unlike true antelopes, pronghorns possess a unique horn structure: a permanent bony core topped by a keratinous sheath that is shed and regrown annually. They are renowned for their extraordinary speed, reaching 55 mph (88 km/h) in short bursts and sustaining 35 mph (56 km/h) for several kilometers, an adaptation to evade swift predators such as coyotes and golden eagles. Their keen eyesight and acute hearing complement this escape strategy. The species thrives in habitats with sparse vegetation, where visibility is high and water sources are seasonal. According to the IUCN Red List, the pronghorn is classified as Least Concern, with an estimated global population of roughly 7 million individuals, reflecting successful management and the species’ adaptability to human‑altered landscapes.

Pronghorns are primarily diurnal and form fluid social groups that change with season and resource availability. During the summer, mixed‑sex herds of 20‑30 individuals graze together, while in winter they may aggregate into larger aggregations of up to 100 to conserve heat. Adult males establish and defend territories during the breeding season, using a lek system where several males display in close proximity to attract females. Territorial displays include high‑stepping gait, vocal snorts, and foot stomps that produce a thudding sound on the ground. Females and juveniles exhibit strong site fidelity to migration corridors that connect seasonal foraging grounds. Communication is largely visual and auditory; scent marking is minimal. Pronghorns can travel up to 30 km (19 miles) in a single day during migration, and their home ranges can span 30–80 km² depending on habitat quality.

Pronghorns are obligate herbivores that specialize in a mixed diet of grasses, forbs, and browse. In spring and early summer they favor nutrient‑rich green grasses such as bluebunch wheatgrass (Pseudoroegneria spicata) and needlegrass (Stipa spp.). As the season progresses, they shift to browse on sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata), saltbush (Atriplex spp.), and desert shrubs, supplementing their intake with seeds and occasional succulent plants during drought periods. An adult pronghorn consumes roughly 2–3% of its body weight in dry matter per day, equating to 1.5–4 kg of vegetation. Water requirements are low; they can obtain sufficient moisture from succulent plants, but will drink from natural or artificial water sources when available. Feeding is typically conducted while moving, allowing them to cover large areas and avoid over‑grazing any single patch. Their selective grazing strategy and ability to metabolize low‑quality forage contribute to their success in arid environments.

Sexual maturity is reached at 2–3 years for both sexes, though females may first breed at 2 years while males often wait until 3–4 years to successfully compete for mates. The breeding season, or rut, occurs from early September to late October, when males gather in leks and perform high‑stepping runs, vocalizations, and scent displays to attract receptive females. After a gestation period of approximately 7.5 months, females give birth to a single fawn in late May or early June; twins occur in less than 1% of births. Newborn fawns weigh 4–5 kg and are able to stand and run within minutes, a crucial adaptation to predator pressure. Maternal care is intensive for the first 2–3 months, during which the fawn is hidden in vegetation while the mother forages. Weaning occurs at about 3 months, after which juveniles join mixed‑sex groups. Longevity in the wild averages 10–13 years, allowing multiple reproductive cycles over a female’s lifespan.

The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) lists the pronghorn as Least Concern, reflecting its large and stable population of approximately 7 million individuals. Nevertheless, several localized threats persist. Habitat fragmentation from agricultural expansion, oil and gas development, and highway construction disrupts historic migration corridors, leading to increased mortality from vehicle collisions and fence entanglements. Approximately 30% of the population is estimated to be affected by fencing, which can cause injuries or impede seasonal movements. Climate change poses a longer‑term risk by altering precipitation patterns, potentially reducing the availability of high‑quality forage and water sources. Historically, over‑hunting in the 19th and early 20th centuries caused severe declines, but regulated hunting and conservation programs have largely mitigated this pressure. Ongoing management actions include the removal or modification of fencing, establishment of wildlife overpasses, and the protection of key migratory routes through federal and state initiatives.

• Pronghorns are the fastest land mammals in the Western Hemisphere, capable of sustaining 55 mph (88 km/h) for short distances.
• Their horns are unique among mammals: a permanent bony core topped by a keratin sheath that is shed and regrown each year.
• Despite being called “antelope,” pronghorns are not true antelopes and belong to their own family, Antilocapridae.
• They possess the most acute eyesight of any land animal, with a visual field of nearly 320 degrees.
• Pronghorns can run at high speeds for up to 4.5 km (2.8 miles) without overheating, thanks to a highly efficient respiratory and circulatory system.