Mammals
Klipspringer
Oreotragus oreotragus · also called klipspringers
Balancing on the very tips of its hooves like a dancer, a klipspringer bounds across cliffs and boulders that leave most predators stranded below, holding its rocky territory as a permanent, monogamous pair.
Overview
The klipspringer, Oreotragus oreotragus, is a small antelope native to mountainous and rocky outcrop habitat scattered across savanna regions of eastern and southern Africa. Its unique tiptoe stance, exceptional climbing ability, and lifelong pair-bonding make it one of the most physically specialized antelope species found anywhere on the continent.
A life lived on rock
Few antelope have committed as fully to a single type of terrain as the klipspringer, whose entire body plan, from its unusual hooves to its insulating coat, has been shaped by a life spent almost entirely on exposed rock.
Status
Least Concern, remaining widespread and stable across suitable rocky and mountainous habitat throughout eastern and southern Africa.
Klipspringer: common questions
Why does the klipspringer walk on the tips of its hooves?
This species walks on the very tips of its blunt, cylindrical hooves rather than the flat sole most antelope use, giving it exceptional grip and balance on steep, uneven rock.
Does the klipspringer live alone or in groups?
This species lives in permanent monogamous pairs that defend a shared territory together, with one partner often standing watch while the other feeds on nearby vegetation.
Why is the klipspringer's coat different from other antelope?
This species has an unusually dense, coarse, hollow-haired coat that provides insulation against the sharp temperature swings common on exposed rocky outcrops.
Do female klipspringer have horns?
Rarely, this species has short, straight, ridged horns present mainly on males, which are used in territorial disputes with rival breeding pairs.