African Crafts Market

Facts about this animal

Also known as Oryx.....

The Gemsbok or Gemsbuck is a large antelope in the Oryx genus. It is native to the arid regions of Southern Africa, such as the Kalahari Desert in Namibia and is found in south-west Africa, occurring in Botswana, Namibia, South Africa and Zimbabwe.

The most distinctive features of this heavily built antelope are its long, rapier-shaped horns and striking black and white facial markings . The beautiful horns of the Gemsbok are sought after as charms in many cultures and were even sold as unicorn horns in medieval England . The body is fawn-grey with a black stripe along the side separating the upper parts from the white underparts, and there are extensive black areas on its upper legs. The Gemsbok has a long, horse-like tail, and whilst both sexes possess the impressive horns, those of the male are shorter and more robust than the female’s.

Gemsbok generally occur in semi-arid to arid grasslands and bushlands, sandy and stony plains, dunes and alkaline flats; they also inhabit light woodland.

The Gemsbok is highly valued as a trophy animal and is an important component of game hunting activities. Ironically, it is this hunting activity, and the economic contribution it makes to the countries in which it occurs, which ensures that population numbers are maintained. The majority of the population currently occurs within national parks and private land, and whilst the Gemsbok is not considered to yet be threatened with extinction, it is somewhat reliant on its continued existence within these areas.

Factsheet

Scientific classification

• Swahili Name: Choroa
• Scientific Name: Oryx gazella
• Common Name: Oryx
• Size: 47 inches at the shoulder
• Weight: 250 to 390 pounds
• Lifespan: 20 years
• Habitat: Dry plains
• Diet: Grazers
• Gestation: 8 to 81/2 months
• Predators: Lions, cheetahs,wild dogs, hyenas

Conservation status: Least concern / abundant