Gemsbok
| Gemsbok | |
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| Species: | O. gazella
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| Binomial name | |
| Oryx gazella | |
The gemsbok or gemsbuck (Oryx gazella) is a large African oryx antelope. The name is derived from the German name of the male chamois, Gemsbock. Although there are some superficial similarities in appearance (especially in the colour of the face area), the chamois and the oryx are not related.
Gemsboks live in herds of about 10-40 animals, which consist of a dominant male, a few non-dominant males, and females.They often live in association with zebras, gazelles, or other antelopes.
The female's horns may be curved, but the male's are thicker and parallel. Male gemsboks have been known to gore attacking lions with their horns.
There are two types of gemsbok: a northern and southern variety. The northern gemsboks have black-fringed ear, while the southern ones have longer horns and more rounded ears.
Gemsboks are mainly desert-dwelling and do not depend on drinking to supply their physiological water needs.
Gemsboks have an average shoulder height of four feet (One metre, 20 centimeters) and can weigh up to 450 pounds.
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