The information provided relates to Alcelaphus, a mammal native to East Africa, belonging to the Bovidae family. It holds significant ecological importance as a grazing species. The genus Alcelaphus encompasses several species, including the better-known hartebeest. These mammals were first described in the 18th century, with the initial classification varying depending on the species. For instance, the widely recognised hartebeest was first described as Antilope lelwel by Peter Simon Pallas in 1766, before being reassigned to the genus Alcelaphus in 1847. Other species within the genus were discovered and named later, such as A. lichtensteinensis, which was described by Albert Günther in 1884. Different species of Alcelaphus have varied distributions across Africa. For example, the common duiker is found in various countries across the continent, while the hartebeest's range spans from East to Southern Africa. Their habitats are equally diverse, with some species dwelling in forests and others favouring more open country. The dietary habits of Alcelaphus species appear to be well-adapted to their environments, as they feed on a wide range of vegetation, including grasses, leaves, and shrubs. Some species, such as the Swayne's hartebeest, are known to be migratory, moving in response to seasonal changes in rainfall and food availability.
