The Antelope Range of beauties - Gemsbok

Oryx gazelle - Gemsbok
Originally, various oryx species were found in all of Africa's arid regions. One species that occurred on the Arabian Peninsula was exterminated recently but has now been reintroduced into the wild from captive stock.

Well-adapted to the conditions of their hot, arid habitats, oryxes can live as long as 20 years. Kenya's Tana River divides the range of East Africa's two types of oryx: the beisa oryx (Oryx gazella beisa) and the fringe-eared oryx (Oryx g. callotis). The fringe-eared oryx ranges from Kenya to Central Tanzania. The beisa oryx ranges from Ethiopia through Somalia into Northeastern Uganda and Kenya. 

This Large heavily built antelope has a thick neck, long rapier-like horns in both sexes and a black, horse like tail. The overall body color is greyish-fawn and the underparts are white. Black features prominently in the body markings: as stripes along the flanks, and as patches on the upper legs and rump, and as a stripe down the throat. The lower legs are predominantly white.

The black and white facial markings are very distinctive. The calves are plain fawn and lack body markings. This is a species of open, dry terrain, including open woodland, grass plains and sand dunes. Although they will drink, surface water is not essential. Herds of up to 15 animals are common but much larger groups come together particularly during the rains. Mixed herds may be observed as well as nursery herds consisting only of calves and cows.

Behavior The social system of the oryx is unusual in that nonterritorial males live in mixed groups with females, or with females and their young. Males that dominate are territorial to a degree, marking their areas with dung deposits. Groups are composed of 10 to 40 males and females of all ages and both sexes; herds of up to 200 are common in some East African habitats.

The dominance hierarchy among oryx is based on age and size. As they grow, calves test one another in what look like games, though in reality are tests of strength. As the hierarchy becomes established, the need to fight is reduced. Ritual displays replace actual contact, except when evenly matched individuals may have to fight to establish their rank. Along with lateral displays, oryx perform a slow, prancing walk and sometimes break into a gallop. When several males are making these displays, they may clash horns.

Herd composition in the wild constantly changes according to need. Oryx wanting to drink, for example, form a group to go to water, or females with young form a group that moves more slowly. The result is a social system that allows for individual needs but retains the advantage of group living. Oryx range widely over a large area, but their keen sense of smell alerts them to rain in the area, so that groups quickly assemble, often in herds of 200 or more, to feed on new growth.

Bulls holding territories will attempt to keep herds within their area and only they will mate with receptive cows. Because of the arid nature of the environment in which Gemsbok live, they are nomadic and may move considerable distances in search of new grazing.

Grasses form much of their food intake but they also dig out roots and eat wild fruits. They are Diurnal and nocturnal. During drought conditions, gemsboks avoid activity during the day and only feed at night or early in the morning. This is when water-saturated plants can easily be found.Calves are born mostly during the rains.


Predators Like other antelope species, Oryx primarily depend on flight to escape from predators such as lions, wild dogs and hyenas.

Did you know?

• The Oryx is a good example of an antelope that has successfully adapted to the harsh conditions of dispersed food, intense heat and little or no water. 
• The female comes into heat soon after giving birth. The more frequent estrus cycles enable females to produce calves at 9-month intervals.
• In medieval England Oryx horns were marketed as unicorn horns

 Quick facts

Weight and Height
males: wt 367-460 lb (167-209 kg), ht 46-50 lb (115-125 cm)
females: wt 255-414 lb (116-188 kg), ht 46-50 in (115-125 cm)

Horns
Average length, 42 in (105 cm); generally straight or slightly curved

Coat
Short and sleek

Color
Gray to tan with black and white markings on face

Where to find a Gemsbok in Kenya
Tsavo, Samburu and Meru