Steenbok

 

The Steenbok (Raphicerus campestris) is a common small antelope of southern and eastern Africa.
Rufous brown to fawn coat with long, broad ears. Measures 520mm at the shoulders and weigh 11 Kg. Hindquarters and underparts are pure white. Only rams have upright, slender horns projecting above the eyes. Conspicuous black, facial glands are situated in front of the large, dark brown eyes. These pre-orbital glands are noticeable in both sexes.
This fleet-footed antelope is exclusively a browser and shows a preference for forbs. It is generally highly selective for green material such as young leaves, flowers, fruits, and shoots tips of various plants. The ability to exist independently of free water is related to its selective browsing habits. Roots, tubers, and bulbs are taken during dry months by raking the ground, and even digging shoulder-deep, to reach these nutritious food supplies which are high in moisture content.

 

 

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