The royal antelope is the smallest antelope and ruminant in the world.
It is also the smallest African ungulate, followed by Bates's pygmy antelope; The royal antelope reaches merely 25 centimetres (10 in) at the shoulder and weighs 2.5–3 kilograms (5.5–6.6 lb).
The head-and-body length is typically 40 centimetres (16 in).
A characteristic feature is the long and slender legs, with the hindlegs twice as long as the forelegs – a remarkable similarity to the hare.
The thin tail, 5–8 centimetres (2.0–3.1 in) long, is white on the underside, ending in a white tuft.
The species is sexually dimorphic, with females being larger than males.
Only males possess horns, these being short, smooth, ventrally reflexed spikes measuring 2.5–3 centimetres (1.0–1.2 in) long.

The soft coat is reddish to golden brown, in sharp contrast with the white ventral parts.
A brown band runs across the chest, and a distinct rufous collar can be observed on the neck.
The chin and the medial surfaces of the legs are also white.
The face is characterised by large, round dark brown eyes, small translucent ears, a slim muzzle, and a large grayish pink rhinarium.
The royal antelope is the smallest antelope and ruminant in the world. It is also the smallest African ungulate, followed by Bates's pygmy antelope; The royal antelope reaches merely 25 centimetres (10 in) at the shoulder and weighs 2.5–3 kilograms (5.5–6.6 lb). The head-and-body length is typically 40 centimetres (16 in). A characteristic feature is the long and slender legs, with the hindlegs twice as long as the forelegs – a remarkable similarity to the hare. The thin tail, 5–8 centimetres (2.0–3.1 in) long, is white on the underside, ending in a white tuft. The species is sexually dimorphic, with females being larger than males. Only males possess horns, these being short, smooth, ventrally reflexed spikes measuring 2.5–3 centimetres (1.0–1.2 in) long.
The soft coat is reddish to golden brown, in sharp contrast with the white ventral parts. A brown band runs across the chest, and a distinct rufous collar can be observed on the neck. The chin and the medial surfaces of the legs are also white. The face is characterised by large, round dark brown eyes, small translucent ears, a slim muzzle, and a large grayish pink rhinarium.
Royal antelope