The Antelope of africa

Klipspringer

Oreotragus oreotragus

A small sure-footed antelope found in rocky hill areas of Africa where it moves about on the tips of its hoofs. Colouration varies from yellowish-grey to grey-brown.

Distribution A widely distributed, but specific habitat, species across southern and east Africa.
Social structure Usually in pairs or family groups. The male is territorial and marks territory with a secretion from a gland on the face.
Range differentiation Females in isolated populations in west Africa and central Africa may show horns.
Habitat Rocky hills and mountains with sufficient food
Feeding They are mixed feeders with a strong preference to browsing.
Breeding Breed year round with seasonal peaks in some areas. Gestation period of seven months.
A Klipspringer in its typical pose

A typical pose, standing on their hoof tips on a rock.

A Klipspringer in its typical pose
Click to enlarge

A typical pose, standing on their hoof tips on a rock.

A Klipspringer on the look-out

Looking out for predators such as leopard a klipspringer negotiates the bush.

A Klipspringer on the look-out
Click to enlarge

Looking out for predators such as leopard a klipspringer negotiates the bush.

Klipspringer are very agile in rocky areas where they can literally run up rocky slopes. They stand and run on the tips of their hoofs.

Only the male has horns, and although it is the male that is territorial both sexes mark sticks with a secretion from a gland on the face.

After birth the young klipspringer remains hidden for up to two months before joining the parents.

Predators

Klipspringer are preyed upon mostly by leopards, caracal and eagles

Male and female Klipspringers keep close

Courtship starts with the male and female keeping close together.

Male and female Klipspringers keep close
Click to enlarge

Courtship starts with the male and female keeping close together.

Two Klipspringers getting ready to mate

When they are about to mate klipspringer will move to even ground close within their home range.

Two Klipspringers getting ready to mate
Click to enlarge

When they are about to mate klipspringer will move to even ground close within their home range.

Klipspringers in their typical rocky habitat

A male and female klipspringer in typical rocky habitat.

Klipspringers in their typical rocky habitat
Click to enlarge

A male and female klipspringer in typical rocky habitat.

  • Killing for fun

    Killing for fun

    Killing for fun

    It has been said that man is the only animal that kills for fun and not for survival. This question has been discussed in depth with no solid answers. However, after witnessing a number of incidents I have put my thoughts down for comment.

    Discover more
  • Elephant

    Elephant

    Age of an elephant

    How old does an elephant get? The answer to this depends on a number of factors with probably the most important one been the food that elephants eat ...

    Discover more