Formerly included in the genus Damaliscus.

Hirola has shown a greater than 80% decline (and continuing) over the past three generations (16 years) and meets the threshold for Critically Endangered under criterion A2, on the basis of direct observation, decline in area of occupancy and habitat quality and levels of exploitation. The number of mature individuals is now likely to be <250 and the species may also be close to meeting Critically Endangered under criterion C2

The Hirola is endemic to south-east Kenya and south-west Somalia. Its historical distribution is estimated to have covered ca 17,900 km² in Kenya and ca 20,500 km² in Somalia (Bunderson 1981, East 1999, Butynski 2013). In Kenya, Hirola occur between Garsen, Bura and Galma Galla/Kolbio over an area of ca 8,000 km² (Butynski 2000), but its numbers and range are continuing to decline. Its current status in south-west Somalia is not known, but its former range has been badly affected by prolonged civil and military conflicts that was continuing up to late 2016.

There is a small translocated population in Tsavo East National Park, outside the species’ natural range, originating from a translocation of 30 animals from Garissa District conducted in 1963. It is thought that most of these perished soon after release and that the size of the 'effective founder population' was only 11 to 19 animals (Butynski 2000). A further 10 animals were translocated to Tsavo East in 1996 (Hofmann 1996).

In 1979, there were ca 16,000 animals in Kenya (within 17,900 km²). Estimated numbers decreased from 12,500 in the early to mid-1970s to about 7,000 in 1977-83, followed by a drastic decline (85 to 90%) between 1983 and 1985 caused by the severe drought of 1984 (Butynski 2000). Ground surveys suggested a population of between 500 and 2,000 in Kenya in 1995/1996 (Andanje and Ottichilo 1999, Butynski 2000, Dahiye and Aman 2002). Somalia had ca 2,000 Hirola in 1979, but has few, if any, today (Butynski 2000). Overall, numbers have fallen by 85 to 90% since 1980 and are still declining (East 1999, Butynski 2013). Surveys in 2011 suggested a population of 402-466 animals (ca 280-330 mature individuals) within their natural range (King et al. 2011). However, numbers have fallen steadily since; few if any remain in Arawale National Reserve. The population in Ishaqbini Community Conservancy outside the predator-proof sanctuary fell from 152 in 2008 to 63 in 2016, though some of this decline is accounted for by the 48 animals transferred into the sanctuary: these had increased to 97-103 in February 2016 (King et al. 2016). The total population is now likely to contain <250 mature individuals.

The introduced population in Tsavo East National Park is currently estimated to number 76 individuals and likely stable (Probert et al. 2015).

Hirola inhabit semi-arid thorn bush, open bush grassland, to light woodland, and lush savanna grassland. Their preferred habitat is seasonally flooded, open grassland with scattered small shrubs and trees on well-drained soils with short leafy swards of grass formed by fire, or by the combined grazing pressure of wildlife and domestic livestock (Bunderson 1981, Butynski 2013).

Hunting, disease, drought, habitat loss, predation and competition with livestock threaten the Hirola. Moreover lack of effective protection in many parts of the remaining range leaves it vulnerable to poaching. The development of the cattle industry, compounded by rinderpest and drought are continuing threats (East 1999, Butynski 2013). The situation for the Hirola remains grave, given its extremely rapid decline and the severe political and environmental problems that currently prevail over the natural range (Butynski 2013).

Hirola have suffered drastic declines as a result of over-hunting in the past, and a lack of effective protection leaves it still vulnerable to poaching.

This is one of the most highly threatened antelopes in Africa and the extinction of Hirola would represent the first extinction in historic times of a genus of mammal endemic to Africa (Butynski 2013). Recommendations for the long-term conservation of the Hirola in Kenya have been included in a conservation action plan (Magin 1996) and a conservation evaluation report (Butynski 2000). These recommendations are now part of the current conservation and management plan for the Hirola in Kenya (Hirola Management Committee 2004) and are being acted upon by the Kenya Wildlife Service, in conjunction with the Hirola Management Committee and local conservation NGOs. Despite these efforts, Hirola numbers have continued to decline across their range. They are rare or even no longer occur in the Arawale N.R. which has been subjected to scrub encroachment. Community conservation and anti-poaching activities must be established over a large portion of the remaining range, but insecurity is now a serious problem in this region. Consideration should be given to establishing protected areas at Galma Galla and to expanding the Tana Primate N.R. to the east to include at least 300 km² of prime habitat for Hirola (Butynski 2013).

Intensive conservation efforts, led by the Northern Rangelands Trust., are maintained in the Ishaqbini Community Conservancy, including regular patrolling by teams of committed rangers. Despite this, Hirola have continued to decline. In August 2012, a predator-proof sanctuary (3,000 ha) was created at Ishaqbini and stocked with 48 Hirola from the surrounding area. This initiative appears to be succeeding as numbers have increased every year, reaching 97-103 in February 2016 (King et al. 2016).

Hirola no longer exist in captivity, with the last one dying in 2002 (Probert 2011).