The Why

It all begins with “Antilocapra americana”, the Pronghorn. This uniquely North American animal has ancestral fossil records dating back over 25 million years. All but one species, the living Pronghorn, became extinct.

In the early 1800s, Pronghorn populations were estimated to number in the tens of millions. By the turn of the century, Pronghorn numbers dwindled to less than 15,000 animals across their native range. It wasn’t until early conservation and habitat protection efforts that Pronghorn numbers began to rebound.

Today, Pronghorn populations between Canada, the US, and Mexico hover around 800,000 animals, a major conservation success story. However, the future of Pronghorn relies on continued support as the species faces growing threats to migratory corridors and habitat loss.

That’s where NAPF comes in, our mission is to enhance pronghorn populations and habitats through advocacy, stewardship, stakeholder partnerships, and our hunting heritage.

Pronghorn and their habitat need our help.

Photo: Craig Miller

Fast Facts

  • Pronghorn, while commonly referred to as an antelope, are not a “true antelope” and are the the only extant species in the Antilocapridae family.

  • The closest living relatives to Pronghorn are the giraffe and okapi.

  • Known as the second-fastest land animal, Pronghorn can reach speeds as high as 60 miles per hour and utilize their large, efficient lungs to escape predators.

  • Unlike other horned-animals, Pronghorn horns are branched and the outer sheath is shed each fall.

  • Pronghorn can raise the long white hairs located on their rump to communicate with other members of the herd.