Speedgoat

Speedgoat is a common colloquial term, primarily used in the western United States, for the pronghorn ( Antilocapra americana).

Description:

The term "speedgoat" is a descriptive nickname referencing the pronghorn's exceptional speed and superficial resemblance to goats. Pronghorn are the fastest land mammals in North America and one of the fastest in the world, capable of sustained speeds of up to 55 miles per hour. They are not, however, closely related to goats. Pronghorn are the sole surviving member of the family Antilocapridae, an ancient lineage distinct from both bovids (cattle, goats, sheep) and cervids (deer, elk, moose).

Origin and Usage:

The origin of the term is likely rooted in early settlers' and explorers' observations of pronghorn, who may have noted their physical similarities to goats. The term gained popularity through informal usage among hunters, ranchers, and residents of the western states. "Speedgoat" is not a formal zoological term and is rarely used in scientific literature. It is more prevalent in casual conversation, hunting circles, and regional publications.

Distinguishing Characteristics:

While the term "speedgoat" highlights the animal's speed, it's important to note other defining characteristics of the pronghorn, including:

• Horns: Both males and females possess horns, although the male's horns are significantly larger and branched. The horns are unique in that they shed and regrow annually, similar to antlers, but they are composed of a keratinous sheath over a bony core, unlike antlers which are entirely bone.
• Appearance: Pronghorn are typically reddish-brown to tan in color with white underparts and distinctive white markings on their throat and cheeks.
• Habitat: They inhabit open grasslands, sagebrush steppes, and deserts of western North America.

Related Terms:

Other common names for the pronghorn include pronghorn antelope (a misnomer, as they are not true antelopes), American antelope (again, inaccurate), and prairie antelope.