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Chuck Ripper: Giant Sable Antelope Nature blessed the Giant Sable Antelope with majestic sickle-shaped horns that curve backward in a graceful arc and, in some animals, grow more than five feet long. However, nature's gift has proven to be the undoing of what many consider to be Africa's most beautiful antelope. Hunted relentlessly for years by poachers seeking only this magnificent animal's head -- and the exceptionally high price it brings -- the Giant Sable Antelope is at the brink of extinction. Limited to the plains of central Angola near the Cuanza and Luando rivers, the Giant Sable Antelope was only "discovered" in 1913, the last large African mammal to be classified by science. The mature bull weighs nearly 500 pounds and is shining black with white underparts, white face markings and an erect, deep-black mane. This elusive creature makes for an exceptional study of beauty, power and grace as it effortlessly moves through the haunts of its limited environment. In 1926 the Angolan government sought to protect this regal beast, but despite its best efforts numbers of Giant Sable Antelope continue to decline. The majority of Giant Sables that survive today are found at Angola's Luando and Cangandala reserves, where hunting is strictly prohibited. Nevertheless, these reserves may not provide sufficient protection to ensure the survival of this handsome animal. This artwork was originally published on the Fleetwood® First Day Cover for the United Nations 29¢ Giant Sable stamp issued March 3, 1993. Artwork Copyright © 1992 Unicover Corporation. All Rights Reserved under United States and international copyright laws. You may not reproduce, distribute, transmit, or otherwise exploit the Artwork in any way. Images of the Artwork may be watermarked and/or digitally watermarked. Any sale of the physical original does not include or convey the Copyright or any right comprised in the copyright.
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