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The KLIPSPRINGER (Oreotragus
oreotragus) are found in South Africa,
Botswana, Namibia and Zimbabwe. They can be found on quiet rocky
outcrops,
steep hillsides in mountains and canyons. They eat young shoots,
flowers and
some fruits. They have a coat that is made up of short, thick, spiny
hairs, that
helps to protect the animal against injury when it bumps against rocks.
The hoof
of this animal is so designed that they walk on tip toe. Because
they walk on the
tips of their hooves, they can easily move up steep rocky faces, and they
are very
nimble and agile. A mated pair will form a very strong bond and will
stay in one
territory for their lives along with their young. They will mark out
the territory by
using middens as well as secretions from pre-orbital glands. The
previous years
calves leave the area once the new seasons young arrive. They are
preyed upon
by Leopard, Jackal, Baboons and by some species of Eagle. |
