The klipspringer Oreotragus oreotragus
The klipspringer (Oreotragus oreotragus) is a fascinating small creature standing 50 cm at shoulders and weighing only 9 to 18 kilograms. The males have widely spread spiked horns measuring about 10 cm in length. Their fur is thick and dense, with hollow hairs; this feature is not typical for the Bovids and can only be observed in klingspringers and white-tailed deer. Klipspringers are monogamous and live in pairs, establishing close bonds, which exist through the life of the animals. Most groups consist of adult male, female and her young aged under one year. Solitary animals are not common, comprising less than 10% of the total population. Both males and females have preorbital glands and scent mark their territories with the secretion of these glands. When the female nurses her offspring, the male remains vigilant standing guard to protect his calves. Klipspringers zealously defend their territory from intruders. During the fight, the klipspringer will lower its head with the chin out, and females usually try to bite their enemies. The klipspringers are very selective eaters. They feed on evergreen bushes and grass, fruits, pulse, flowers, and lichens and may migrate to the places with better vegetation. Klipspringers are able to live without water for long periods as they attain most of their water from their food. Gestation lasts 7 months and results in the birth of a single calf that is born in the shelter of rocks. The calves remain hidden for the first 2 to 3 months after birth and are nursed for approximately 5 or 6 months. The horns start growing when the calves reach the age of 6 month, and are fully grown when the animals are 17 to 18 months old.
