T - africanus and M - giganteus
The gigantelope is a group of huge of antelope from Dougal Dixon's 1981 book After Man: A Zoology of the Future.
Species of Gigantelopes[]
Woolly Gigantelope (Megalodorcas borealis)
A northern, tundra-dwelling, migratory gigantelope from the tundra of the Northern Continent, they are very similar to a woolly mammoth or Musk ox. using there horns to scrape out moss and other small plants. They also use to defend themselves against predators.
Tropical Gigantelope (Megalodorcas giganteus)
The typical tropical grassland-dwelling type of gigantelope from Africa. It has four horns (one pair curving down behind its ears and another pair pointing out in front of its snout). Each horn has a pick-like point, enabling the animal to scrape soil away from the plant roots and bulbs on which it feeds. At first glance these massive beasts seem to contradict the general rule that animals of hotter climates tend to be smaller than their equivalents in cooler areas. The larger an animal is, the smaller its surface area is in relation to its body mass, and the more difficult it is for it to lose excess heat. In the case of tropical gigantelopes, however, this problem is overcome by the possession of a large dewlap beneath the neck, which is well served with blood vessels and effectively increases the creature's body area by about a fifth, thus providing an efficient heat radiator. Its principal predator is the horrane.
Rundihorn (Tetraceras africanus)
An African gigantelope from tropical grasslands that is almost the direct equivalent of the extinct rhino. It has adopted a body size and a horn arrangement not unlike its predecessor's and is a grazing animal, a fact that is reflected by its broad snout and muzzle. Its alarming horn array is used for defense, although the animal has few enemies likely to risk a frontal attack. For the males, however, its secondary function (for sexual display) is now more important.
Long-Necked Gigantelope (Grandidorcas roeselmivi)
An almost primitive-looking African tropical grassland species. It is able to browse on twigs and branches 7 meters above the ground, well out of reach of the smaller herbivores and even of its own massive cousins. As well as a long neck this animal also has a long, narrow head, enabling it to push its thick muscular lips between the branches of the trees to reach the tastiest morsels. The horns of its ancestors are reduced to long, low, bony pads at the top of the skull. Anything more elaborate would become entangled in the branches.
Shovel-Horned Gigantelope (megolodidorcas giganteus)
A recently extinct species.