It is no wonder the gemsbok is described as one of our most beautiful species. They have distinct black markings on the face and body, and long flowing black hair on their tails. This black colouring contrasts strikingly with the pale colour of the bodies and long, straight horns present on both sexes. In the adults, at a distance, the dark brown markings appear black, and contrast with the pale body and white face. They have a distinctive dewlap on the throat, with a tuft of long dark brown hair. The newly born are fawn or reddish-brown, which is replaced at about four to six months by the pale fawn-grey adult pelage. The spoor is characteristically heart-shaped.
Males stand about 1.2 m at the shoulder and weigh up to 240 kilograms. Females are slightly lighter at around 210 kilograms. One third of the straight cylindrical horns are ringed, while the remaining two-thirds are smooth. The longest horns on record, from Botswana, measured 1.229 metres.
The gemsbok is a species of arid country, occurring in open grassland, open bush savanna and in light open woodland. While they do penetrate deep into savanna woodland, it is generally to search for new feeding grounds in the more open areas within them. They utilise a great diversity of plant communities in the southern Namib, such as sand plains and extensive dune fields. In the Kalahari Gemsbok National Park they show a preference for the sand dune country with its sparse cover of vegetation.
There is no specific period in which gemsbok give birth. Young are born throughout the year with a peak in August/September, depending on rainfall patterns.
It has been found that females become sexually mature at two years old, bearing their first calf at the age of about 30 months. The territorial males are primarily responsible for mating and test the females' reproductive status by immersing their noses in the females' urine stream and exhibiting flehmen. The male courts the female by tapping between or alongside her hind legs with his forelegs. If the female is not ready, she will simply walk away, circling the male who will follow her if he is persistent. |
