![]() After a gestation period of six to seven months, she will give birth, usually to only one offspring at a time. (Image credit: Donovan van Staden Shutterstock) Offspringīefore giving birth, a female will leave the herd. The oryx is at home in the vast shadeless desert or landscapes with near-desert conditions.A herd of young impalas stands on alert. The oryx, also known as the gemsbok, is a large species of cow-like antelope with incredible endurance and strength. Reedbucks inhabit moist woodlands and tall grasslands with sufficient cover and water nearby. They usually live alone or in pairs, but can sometimes be seen in small herds of three to 10 animals. They often occupy areas that are close to water sources. This species of antelope needs a sufficient supply of water to survive. Reedbucks tend to rest in the grass beds during the day and graze during sunrise and sunset, or sometimes at night. The reedbuck is a small, slender and shy antelope with a predominantly grey coat and a fluffy white tail. The adult males have a mass between 15-18 kg, while the females are between 16-21 kg. Duikers are tiny animals with only the males having short horns. Widely distributed throughout Southern Africa, duikers can be found in woodlands, desert regions and grasslands. During the Great Migration, a large number of wildebeest will drown while crossing the Mara River or are killed by predators lurking close by.Ī post shared by Nick Shillan on at 8:21pm PDT This natural phenomenon is known as the Great Migration. Each year, thousands of wildebeest, and other antelope species, trek from the Serengeti to the Masai Mara in search of fresh grazing grounds. Wildebeest are famous for making their annual migration across the African plains. Species of Antelope found in Southern Africa Wildebeest This can be a mere one-day excursion or you can take your time, enjoying nature for a couple of days. Take a safari tour in South Africa and you’re bound to see an antelope. Where can I see Antelopes in South Africa Their horns are made from a hard material called keratin, which is also found in fingernails. Male deers have antlers that appear to branch outward which are shed annually, while antelopes have permanent horns. The most notable difference between antelope and deer is their physical appearances and physical abilities. Antelope belong to the Bovidae family (along with goats, sheep and buffalos), while deer belong to the Cervidae family (as do elks and moose). They might appear similar, but antelopes and deers have distinct differences, the most significant of which is their scientific classification. What is the difference between antelope and deer? Their acute sense of hearing and sight, as well as their powerful horns, help to protect them in the face of predators. They are intelligent animals that follow the rains to find fresh grass, as famously seen each year during the Great Migration.Īntelopes must always be on constant alert for danger as they are a target for predators such as cheetahs, lions, leopards and wild dogs. Most antelope species are herbivores that graze on grass or munch on buds, bulbs, fruits and leaves. Sometimes, their scents can linger on for many days.Īntelope live in a wide range of habitats across Southern Africa including, open savanna, woodlands, marshes and even deserts. The herds communicate with each other using a variety of sounds and scent signals. Most antelope are social animals that live in groups called herds. In some species, only the male antelopes have horns. ![]() They are often distinguished by their horns, which may be straight, curved or twisted. Each species of antelope varies in shape and size, but generally, all have a light figure with slender limbs, small cloven hooves and a short tail. It is rare to go on a game drive in Southern Africa and not see one of the most abundant fauna on the continent, the antelope.Īntelopes are a group of mammals that live in the vast plains of Africa. If you love animals as much as we do, check out our collection of animal facts. ![]() From distinctive features, habitat types and more, we ‘ve shared some of the most interesting facts about Africa’s antelope. ![]() We’ve rounded up a list of the most common antelope species to help you identify these beautiful animals during your next game drive. There are so many different antelope species living across Southern Africa, and it is sometimes a challenge to recognise all of them!
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