ROAN

The Roan (Hippotragus equinus) is one of the largest of all antelope species. They have noticeable red nostrils, light beards and short manes.They look similar to the Sable antelope but they are lighter than the Sable, being a dark brown instead of a black colour. They live in herds of up to 15 members and the male Roans often fight against the other males for dominance.

Additional information

Mount Type

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Facts

• Their horns arch backwards slightly
• They are named for their roan colour which is a red-brown.
• They are possibly extinct in Gambia

Taxidermy

Thorough preparation is the key factor to ensuring a high-quality final product. All hides are tanned and oiled using the world’s very best available chemicals and processes to ensure permanence and longevity.Forms are selected to ensure the best fit and posture will be altered to suit you, the client’s preference without additional cost. Natural habitat bases are custom-made for full mount trophies without additional cost.Only the finest materials and 40 years of professional experience are used in defining your trophies in a whole new way. The final trophies are almost Life-Formed. When the restoration is required, every effort is made to repair cuts and abrasions, and to minimise bullet damage. Natural scarring is kept unless otherwise requested.

Habitat

The Roan antelope is mostly found in savannahs in east, west, south and central Africa. Woodland and grassland savannah are preferable to the Roan antelope.They are grazers and feed on grasses and occasionally leaves and stems. They are water dependent and stay close to watering holes at all time.

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Professional Roan Taxidermy

Only the African buffalo and the eland are larger than the Roan antelope, Hippotragus equinus. It has a long tasseled ear, a black and white clown-like face mask (darker in males than females), and a grey or brown coat. The horns of both sexes curve backward, but females’ are noticeably shorter.

They don’t have set territories, but a dominant male will protect his herd of anywhere from six adult females and 20 young within a radius of 800 kilometres. It is common for two adult males to engage in combat when they meet, with the victor taking control of the herd. They charge forward while flashing their horns and then kneel down and bang their enormous horns together.

Ample habitat space is essential for the health and reproduction of Roan antelope. They are rarely spotted in areas with a lot of other animals. High grasses and succulent plants are ideal for their habitat. The Roan calves benefit from the grazing and safety afforded by this setting. They are able to thrive in areas with poor soil as long as there is access to water.

 

Hunting Roan

It is unusual to encounter a herd of mature Roan antelopes. It is not unusual, however, to encounter a large herd of dozens of females led by a single dominant male. Older Roan males and younger males are relatively common, but they do not fraternise with the herds. When hunting Roan loners, it’s best to avoid killing the dominant male of the herd, as it can take the herd up to a year to accept a new male.

Finding water is the first order of business when hunting Roan in Africa. Track the animal down by showing up at the watering hole first thing in the morning. Make sure you bring a big enough gun when hunting this antelope. The Roan antelope is a large, aggressive, and tough as nails animal. The hunter would be wise to avoid coming close to the powerful horns as they sweep back. Do not be fooled by a Roan’s seemingly placid and graceful demeanour as it roams the savanna; after suffering an injury, it can turn aggressive and pose a significant threat.

Shots to the heart or lung about a third of the way up from the front leg work best for side presentations, as they do for other antelope species. When taking a spinal or neck shot, aim for the area where the body meets the neck; when taking a frontal shot at a Roan, aim for the centre of the chest.

The 270, 300 WSM, 300 WIN, 308, and 30-06 are suitable rifle calibers for hunting medium and large game. A minimum bullet weight of 150 gr is suggested for use with the 308 and the 30-06.

 

What is Roan Taxidermy?

An average Roan trophy has 63 centimetres of horn.  A good trophy is anything above 67.3 centimetres. If the Roan hunt yields a set of horns that measures 70.1 centimetres or better, that is an excellent trophy.

Our roan taxidermy trophy mounts are the finest representations of Africa’s animal species, and their authenticity is unmatched. We have an innate understanding of the anatomy, behaviour, and nuances of African species, allowing us to accurately recreate your most treasured memories.

Established in 1981, Life-Form Taxidermy is run by people who are deeply interested in wildlife and the environment. Our White River, South Africa-based squad, located near Kruger National Park, has raised the taxidermy bar as an art form and a scientific discipline over the past four decades. More than 150,000 trophies have been produced by Life-Form Taxidermy, so you know it will be done right.

 

Skin Preparation for a Flawless Roan Trophy

Do not drag the animal under any circumstances. Make sure to mark your trophy clearly. Once the skin has been removed, any excess flesh or fat can be cut away. Wait 30 minutes before salting.

For best results, soak the skin in salt water for at least five hours, preferably overnight. Spread two centimetres of salt across the skin and allow it to dry in the shade. After letting the salt sit for 24 hours on your cape, you can simply shake it off and let it dry normally.

Construct your drying racks from untreated lumber. Wood that has been treated with creosote or tar should never be used. Because rust stains can be difficult to remove from the skulls, it is crucial that no nails or bolts come into contact with them. When the skin is dry enough, fold it up with the hair and ears inside and store away from sunlight.

 

The Roan Taxidermy Process and Methods

Life-Form Taxidermy guarantees an accurate animal replication per your instructions. We engage our clients in extensive discussion to achieve their goals.

The skins are oiled and tanned using only the best chemical compounds and methods to ensure they last as long as possible. Manikins are used to test how well each skin fits. All of our forms are hand-picked to ensure a comfortable fit, and we offer complimentary posture adjustments if needed. Each of our full mount trophies comes with a complimentary, unique base modeled after a different the animal’s ecosystem natural environment.

During the restoration process, the bullet holes and abrasions will be repaired if possible, and the overall damage will be mitigated. Unless otherwise specified, scars will remain in their original locations. Following proper placement of the eyes and ears, a specialist will stitch the skin closed. The taxidermist will not proceed with the final steps until the animal is completely dry.

 

Taking Care of Your Roan Trophy

You earned that trophy, and it didn’t come cheap. In order to maintain its condition, wipe it down with a soft cloth on a regular basis to get rid of dust and grime. Don’t use anything abrasive or chemical that could scratch the surface. Store it in a dark, dry place that is protected from the elements, as exposure to these elements can cause damage such as fading or warping. Wrap it securely in a protective material to prevent scratches or other damage during transport. Your Roan trophy, with some TLC, can be a keepsake for decades to come.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

 

How Much does a Roan Trophy Cost?

The total price will depend on the quantity of trophies ordered, their condition, and any necessary repairs. We will be happy to send you a price estimate.

How Long does a Roan Trophy Take?

The timeline for this process can be anywhere from a few months to 18 months.

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