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Klipspringer
Afrikaans name: Klipspringer or Klipbokkie
A Klipspringer in Kruger National Park
Photo © Steven Herbert
Oreotragus oreotragus
Interesting facts about Klipsringer
In English, I suppose that this antelope would be called a Rock Jumper, but everyone calls it by its Afrikaans name Klipspringer.
The Klipspringer has a wide distribution across the western, northern and north-eastern regions of South Africa.
They weigh around 10 to 13 kg and stand around 50 to 60 cm high at the shoulder. Females are a bit larger than males. Their fur is very coarse.
Their hooves are specially adapted for their life on rocky outcrops. They have an amazing ability to run over and jump across rocks without losing their footing.
Klipspringers pair for life and are rarely seen in herds. They get their water requirements from the succulent plants that they eat.
They are preyed upon by Leopards, caracals and some of the larger eagles. Klipspringers live to a maximum age of 14 years.
References and further reading
An Introduction to the Larger Mammals of Southern Africa - Author: Joanna Dalton - Year Published: 1987 - Page: 238Animals of the Kruger National Park - Author: G. de Graaff - Year Published: 1987 - Page: 24
Chris and Tilde Stuart's Field Guide to the Mammals of Southern Africa - Author: Chris and Tilde Stuart - Year Published: 1988 - Page: 214
Field Guide to the Cradle of Humankind - Author: B. Hilton-Barber & Prof. L. R. Berger - Year Published: 2004 - Page: 167
Field Guide to the Mammals of the Kruger National Park - Author: U. de V. Pienaar et al. - Year Published: 1987 - Page: 120
Kruger National Park Questions and Answers - Author: P.F. Fourie - Year Published: 1987 - Page: 110
Land Mammals of Southern Africa - A field guide - Author: Reay HN Smithers - Year Published: 1986 - Page: 172
Mammals of Southern Africa - Author: Burger Cillier - Year Published: 1987 - Page: 107
Mammals of the Kruger and other National Parks - Author: The National Parks Board - Year Published: 1980 - Page: 104
Reader's Digest Illustrated Guide to the Game Parks and Nature Reserves of Southern Africa - 2nd edi - Author: Editor - Alan Duggan - Year Published: 1991 - Page: 416
Signs of the Wild - Author: Clive Walker - Year Published: 1986 - Page: 169