Game Species 

Red (Cape) Hartebeest

Average Mass:
155 kg (340lb)

Average Shoulder Height:
124 cm (49")

Rowland Ward:
58.42 cm (23")

Track: 98mm (3 7/8") x 67mm (2 5/8")

Found in semi-desert savanna. Avoids dense woodland. Independent of water. The hartebeest, like many antelope, is primarily diurnal, grazing in the early morning and late afternoon, and resting in a shaded area during the hottest part of the day.  During feeding periods, a sentry watches for potential sources of danger, and can often be seen standing on a termite mound in order to increase the range of visibility.  When fleeing, the herd runs in single file, and can reach speeds of up to 80 kmph / 48 mph.  At 3-4 years of age, males attempt to hold a territory.  Marked with dung piles, these defended regions average 31 hectares in area, and are generally taken over by another male after 4-5 years.  Females and males alike are generally non-aggressive, although both sexes will fight vigorously in defence of their offspring or territory.  

Tsessebe

Average Mass:
150 kg (330 lb)

Average Shoulder Height:
120 cm (47")

Rowland Ward:
38.10 cm (15")

Track: 89mm (3 ½”) x 61mm (2 3/8”)

This species occurs throughout Southern Africa. Dark Reddish brown colour. The blase on the face, buttocks, shoulder and upper legs are black. Prefers open areas on the edge of plains. Shade and water are important requirements “Drinks regularly. Makes temporary use of areas containing seasonal water. Gregarious: forms herds of 2 - 30 while larger herds are not too uncommon.
                                                                    

Blesbok

Average Mass:
55 kg (120 lb)

Average Shoulder Height:
92 cm (37")

Rowland Ward:
41.91 cm (16 1/2 ")

Track: 64mm (2 1/2") x 45mm (1 3/4")

The blesbok distribution range formerly extended over the entire highveld. The blesbok range is historically confined to the south-western Cape Province in South Africa. Both subspecies have been widely introduced or reintroduced in South Africa, Lesotho, Swaziland and more limited areas of Namibia and Zimbabwe. Small numbers of blesbok have been introduced to farmland in Botswana.                                

Bontebok

Average Mass:
52 kg (115 lb)

Average Shoulder Height:
92 cm (37")

Rowland Ward:
35.56 cm (14")

Track: 64mm (2 1/2") x 44mm (1 3/4")
Distribution
Bontebok are confined in their distribution to a restricted area in the southwestern Cape Province, lying between Bredasdorp and Cape Agulhas. Historically their area of occurrence was somewhat larger, extending from Bot River to Mossel Bay and inland to the Sondereind and Langeberg mountains (Bigalke, 1955). Many of the early travellers first saw them near Caledon, where Isaac Schrijerer's Journal of 1689 recorded that more than 1 000 were seen. Sparrman (1786) also recorded their presence in this area. In these early times there was a measure of confusion in identification between the bontebok and the blesbok. Cornwallis Harris (1840) wrote of "bontebok" as far north as the Magaliesberg in the Transvaal, which were certainly blesbok. Since the time of the early settlement in the Cape there was a distance of some 320 km between the limits of distribution of the two. Bryden (1936) noted that blesbok were never found in the Cape Province, west of Colesberg, and did not occur in the Great Karoo. At one time the species D. dorcas must have had a wide and continuous distribution in southern Africa. Through climatic changes at some geological period of time it became split into two populations which, over the intervening ages, have diverged in characters, leading to the recognition of the two subspecies we see today, the bontebok, D. d. dorcas, and the blesbok, D. d.phillipsi.

It is appropriate that tribute be paid to Mr. P . V. van der Byl, his son, Mr. A. van der Byl, and the van Breda and Albertyn families, for without their recognition of the perilous situation of the species they might well have become extinct. The van der Byls took steps in 1837 to set aside a portion of their farm "Nacht Wacht" near Bredasdorp as a reserve for a nucleus of some 27 individuals. This example was followed by adjoining landowners on the farms De Groote Eiland, Bushy Park and Zoetendals Vallei (Bigalke, 1955). In 1931 the first Bontebok National Park was proclaimed on an area near Swellendam and 84 bontebok were moved to it by truck. By 1969 it was estimated that the numbers had grown to around 800. Since then the National Parks Board of Trustees have made available their surplus stock to farmers and reserves in the Cape Province and by these measures have ensured the survival of the species for the future. Bontebok, nevertheless, remain the least common antelope in the Southern African Subregion.

Description

A dark coat contrasting with white rump patch that surrounds tail; lower legs are white all around; white facial blaze continuous from nose to base of horns.

The bontebok is endemic of fynbos biome. Water bound (Lynch, 1983; East, 1989; Mills & Hes, 1997; Kingdon, 1997).

Bontebok are a diurnal, gregarious, grazing species. Their social organisation consists of territorial males, females herds and bachelor groups. The territorial males establish and maintain a mozaic of territories varying in size from four to 28 ha on an all year round basis. Some males may hold their territories for much longer periods, even for the duration of their adult lives. They rarely manage to establish a territory before they are three years of age, generally five years (David, 1970). They acquire these by deposing a territorial male from his territory or by establishing a new one. They defend these from trespass by other males by a complicated system of ritual displays, seldom if ever resorting to fighting.

Reproduction

Bontebok are short-day seasonal breeders, mating in early autumn in the Bontebok National Park, where the rut takes place between the months of January to mid-March, with some activity continuing until April (David, 1973). The territorial males court the females with a display involving tail over the back and holding the head low with outstretched and the tail horizontal. Flehmen does not occur in bontebok. A male may sniff the vulva of a female and if she is not receptive she will run around him closely to avoid his attentions. During this "mating circling" the female holds her head low in the submissive attitude. During the rut the frequency of the courtship display may be as high as once an hour, but is not confined to the period of the rut and may be performed in all seasons of the year. When the male performs to females about to leave a territory, it may actuate them to remain (David, 1970). The annual cycle in the male matches that in the female (Skinner et al., 1980).

Conception rate is influenced by rainfall (which in turn affects grass cover) prior to the breeding season (Novellie, 1986), as well as food availability, as influenced by competition for food by grazers. The gestation period is between 238 and 254 days. Lambs are born in the spring, between

September and November, with late arrivals up to the end of February, the peak months being September/October. Females become sexually mature at just over two years old, having their first lambs at about three years old. The young females remain with their mothers after their new lambs are born, as a member of the herd (David, 1975).

Females have one pair of inguinal mammae.

Cape Grysbok

Average Mass:
10 kg (22 lb)

Average Shoulder Height:
54 cm (21")

Rowland Ward:
7.62 cm (3")

Track: 32mm (1 3/4") x 19mm (3/4")
Endemic to South Africa , the Cape grysbok is recorded only from southern and south-western Cape Province (East, 1989, 1996; Wilson & Reeder, 1993).

This species is almost entirely restricted to fynbos, inhabiting thick bushes and shrublands. It also occurs in orchards and vineyards areas.

Oribi

Average Mass:
19 kg (42 lb)

Average Shoulder Height:
58 cm (23")

Rowland Ward:
14.93 cm (5 7/8 ")

Track: 35mm (1 3/8") x 19mm (3/4")
Ranging from Senegal to west and central Ethiopia and south Somalia , it extendsas far south and south-west as east South Africa , north Botswana , Angola and south former Zaire (Wilson & Reeder, 1993; East, 1996).

The species occurs in a wide range of woodland savanna, including Acacia savanna, Brachystegia woodland and short grassland; it requires water.

Steenbok

Average Mass:
10 kg (22 lb)

Average Shoulder Height:
52 cm (20")

Rowland Ward:
11.43 cm (4 1/2")

Track: 32mm (1 1/4") x 19mm (1 3/4")

The steenbok occurs in Africa with two distinct populations, in the south and the east respectively. It has been recorded in Angola, Botswana, Kenya, Les otho, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Swaziland, Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe (Wilson & Reeder, 1993), while it is likely to have been completely exterminated from Uganda.

The species prefers open grasslands with bush and shrubs, but also occurs in cultivated areas. It is absent from dense vegetation.

Klipspringer

Average Mass:
15 kg (33 lb)

Average Shoulder Height:
53 cm (21")

Rowland Ward:
10.49 cm (4 1/8 ")

Track: 22mm (7/8") x 13mm (1/2")

While most ungulates are "tiptoers", the klipspringer is the only artiodactyl to take this to the extreme, standing on the very tips of its hooves.  Klip is Afrikaans for rock and Springer is Afrikaans for jumper: hence klipspringer means "rock-jumper".  

This species ranges in central Nigeria , north C.A.R., east Sudan and Ethiopia southwards to southern Africa and westwards to south former Zaire , Angola and Namibia (Wilson & Reeder, 1993; East, 1996). The species is confined to rocky outcrops in mountains, hills and along rivers. 

Vaal/Grey rhebok

Average Mass:
25 kg (55 lb)

Average Shoulder Height:
81 cm (32")

Rowland Ward:
20.01 cm (7 7/8 ")

Track: 64mm (2 1/2”) x 41mm (1 5/8”)

Restricted to the Southern African sub region, the grey rhebok occurs only from Cape Province to Natal and Transvaal in South Africa, in Lesotho and Swaziland (Wilson & Reeder, 1993), while it has been exterminated in Botswana (East, 1996).

The species prefers open grassland on plateau and mountain slopes. Water bound

Common Reedbuck

Average Mass:
70 kg (175 lb)

Average Shoulder Height:
91.44 cm (36")

Rowland Ward:
35.56 cm (14")

Track: 64mm (2 1/2") x 41mm (1 5/8")
R. arundinum is distributed from south Gabon, south Congo Republic, south former Zaire and Tanzania, southwards to north Namibia, north and east Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique and Transvaal and Natal in South Africa (Wilson & Reeder, 1993).
 Largely nocturnal in the wet season, the southern reedbuck may be active throughout the day in the dry season.  If startled, reedbucks take flight with an odd rocking-horse movement, although they generally stop after a short distance to look back.  Old bucks are permanently territorial, holding an area of 35-60 hectares, and generally escort a single female, preventing contact with rival males.  Females and young males have an "appeasement dance" which they perform for adult males.  This consists of running around at high speed and making long, floating jumps.  During this display, the tail is curled upwards, and at every bounce scented air is released from a pocket in the groin, creating a popping sound.  During the dry season, populations converge in lowlands near bodies of water, with individual home ranges varying in size from 5-65 hectares.  As the rains moisten the landscape, they disperse widely.  Average lifetime home ranges have been estimated as 123 hectares for females and 74 hectares for males.  Although they live in close proximity to water, reedbucks rarely enter it.  The main vocalizations are a shrill whistle and a clicking noise, while scent trails through the tall grass are thought to be the main identifiers of the whereabouts of individuals.

Primarily found in grassland and grassland mosaics within the Miombo woodland zone, it requires close proximity to permanent water (Kingdon, 1997; East, 1988, 1989, 1990).

Reduncas (Latin) bent backwards, curved: while the horns are bent forwards, they do start at an angle backwards from the head.  Arundo (harundo) (Latin) a reed: hence arundinum, pertaining to reeds.

Mountain Reedbuck

Average Mass:
30 kg (65 lb)

Average Shoulder Height:
75 cm (30")

Rowland Ward:
---------

Track: 64mm (2 1/2") x 41mm (1 5/8 ")

The Western mountain Reedbuck is currently endangered.

The mountain reedbuck occurs in three separate geographical areas: between eastern Nigeria and western Cameroon , from central Ethiopia to northern Tanzania through south-eastern Sudan , north-eastern Uganda and Kenya ; in South Africa, Swaziland and Lesotho , and marginally in southern Mozambique and south-eastern Botswana .

This species occurs in mountain and rocky hill slopes, where it prefers grassy areas with scattered bush (Stuart & Stuart, 1997; East, 1988, 1990).

Impala

Average Mass:
65 kg (145 lb)

Average Shoulder Height:
90 cm (36")

Rowland Ward:
60.02 cm (23 5/8")

Track: 60mm (2 3/8") x 41mm (1 5/8")

The impala is active throughout the 24-hour day, alternating resting and grazing, and drinking at least once a day.  Herds have a home range of about 2-6 square kilometers.  About 1/3 of adult males hold territories, which vary in size from 0.2-0.9 square kilometers.  These territories are marked with urine and feces, and are defended against the intrusion of rival males.  The owner of the territory attempts to control any female herds which wander into it.  Prodigious leaps are the most well known feature of the impala's movement.  Executed seemingly without effort, these jumps may span over 9 meters / 30 feet and may be 2.5 meters / 8 feet high - often over bushes and even other impala.  Unlike many other plains grazers, the impala flees into dense vegetation rather than out into the open grassland.  During the breeding season, males make a hoarse grunting sound.

This species ranges from Kenya and south Uganda to north-eastern South Africa ; a relict isolated population also exists between south-western Angola and north Namibia (East, 1996; Wilson & Reeder, 1993. The species has been widely introduced in Natal-Kwazulu.

Springbok

Average Mass:
35 kg (77 lb)

Average Shoulder Height:
74 cm (29")

Rowland Ward:

35.56 cm (14")

Track: 51mm (2") x 35mm (1 3/8")

Restricted to the arid zones of south-western Africa, the springbok occurs in Namibia, south-western Angola, Botswana and all of South Africa, where the species has been largely introduced and reintroduced.
The species is typically found in open, dry savanna and grasslands in the Kalahari and Karoo biomes (East, 1989; Lynch, 1983; Wilson, 1989; Kingdon, 1997).

Southern Roan

Average Mass:
250 kg (550 lb)

Average Shoulder Height:
143 cm (56")

Rowland Ward:
68.58 cm (27")

Track: 121mm (4 3/4") x 89mm (3 1/2")

Distribution is from Limpopo province and Mpumalanga province in South Africa northwards to Zimbabwe, Zambia, Malawi, Mozambique and South eastern Zaire.

Habitat is open savanna with large stretches of medium to tall grass and sufficient water. Very sensitive to any change in habitat such as bush encroachment and over utilization of grass. Tolerates scattered short scrubs. Avoids Thickets, areas with short grass and woodland with a roof of foliage.

Sable (Swartwitpens)

Average Mass:
215 kg (475 lb)

Average Shoulder Height:
140 cm (55")

Rowland Ward:
106.37 cm (41 7/8 ")

Track: 114mm (4 1/2") x 76mm (3")

The sable antelope is known to occur in Angola, Botswana, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Tanzania, former Zaire, Zambia and Zimbabwe (East, 1996).

There are 4 recognized subspecies or races of Sable Antelope: Zambian (Hippotragus niger kirkii), Common or Southern (Hippotragus niger niger), Eastern (Hippotragus niger roosevelti), and the Giant or Angolan (Hippotragus niger variani). The Kirki, Common, and Northern subspecies are listed in the "Lower Risk-Conservation Dependent" category by C.I.T.E.S, and has no listing in F.W.S. or I.U.C.N. However, C.I.T.E.S., F.W.S., and I.U.C.N. have placed the Giant Sable Antelope in the "critically endangered" category.

Sable Antelope do not start life with a dark coat. A newborn calf is born with a camouflaging, sandy-brown coat. As the calf grows and achieves status in the herd, its coat will continually darken (Wolfsen 1997). The coat color of adult females and sub-adult males range from a rich-chestnut brown to brownish-black. Fully mature males generally have the darkest coat coloration, brownish-black or a pitch-black color that glistens in the sunlight. The abdominal, rump, and facial areas are a sharp contrasting white color. The coat coloration appears to be under hormonal control. If a mature male is castrated, he will lose the black color and return to a brown color. (Refer to the picture on the following page. The mature female has a darker coat then a then a newly castrated male.) A black facial stripe, running from the horn base to the nostrils, camouflages the species’ large black eye.

The scientific name of the Sable Antelope, Hippotragus, is a composite of two Greek words, "hippo"-meaning "horse-like" and "tragus"-meaning "goat". The Sable Antelope appears horse-like in many of its physical features. The ears are long and pointed, averaging 6.3–7.4 inches (16-19 cm.)(Kingdon 1982) in length. They have a mane that starts between their ears and ends between their shoulder blades. The Sable Antelope’s mane is denser and stands more upright. The neck is broad and thickly muscled. The tail grows 15-18 inches (38-46 cm.)(Kingdon 1982) long and ends in a small tuft of hair. Sable Antelope have a compact and powerful body stature. The body height, hooves to shoulders, ranges from 46-55.1 inches (117-140 cm.)(Kingdon 1982). The body length, nose to rump, ranges from 77.6–82.7 inches (197-210cm.)(Kingdon 1982). A full grown female weighs around 400 pounds (178 Kg.), while a male can weigh as much as 660 pounds (300 Kg.)(Stuart and Stuart 1989). Both sexes are equipped with large, ringed, sickle-shaped horns that arch over the back. The horns serve as very affective defensive weapons against natural predators and are used in dominance fighting. Male horns generally arch further over the back, and grow longer and thicker then a female’s. Horn length varies within a subspecies and between the subspecies. Final adult horn length can range from 40-65 inches (101.6-165.1cm.)(Wolfsen 1997). The Northern subspecies generally grows the shortest horns, while the Giant Sable tends to grow the longest horns (Mochi and Carter 1971).

Sable antelope are diurnal in nature, meaning they are most active in the daylight.

Sable antelope inhabit dry open woodlands and medium tall grass savannas. They generally avoid dense woodlands and short grass savannas (Stuart 1997).

They graze on a variety of short grasses abundant during the growing season and survive by browsing on herbs, bushes, and trees during the harsh dry season. Sable Antelope have a ruminant digestive system.

They have also recently been introduced into the Eastern parts of the Western Cape (breeding programs)

This species lives in miombo (Brachystegia) woodland and open savanna woodland; it does not occur in open grass savanna. Drinking water is essential (Haltenorth & Diller, 1980; East, 1988, 1989).

Giant Sable

Average Mass:
215 kg (475 lb)

Average Shoulder Height:
140 cm (55")

Rowland Ward: --------

Track: 114mm (4 1/2") x 76mm (3")

The Giant Sable is found only in Angola between the upper Cuanza River and its tributary, the Loando (Wilson & Reeder, 1993; Grobler, 1974).

The giant sable antelope of Angola, with its striking coal-black coat and gracefully curved horns that reach over five feet long, was unknown to the world outside its highland habitat until 1916. Through the years, this revered and elusive sable has been transformed from a highly sought-after natural history prize, to a forgotten relic of a warring Angola, to a political symbol and conservation icon. Modern history threatened the giant sable antelope when a civil war erupted in Angola in 1975, restricting knowledge about the antelope for over 27 years. With the recent ending of the civil war, Walker joined an expedition that confirmed for the first time that the species had survived - a major feat, since the nation lost 90% of its large animals. The giant sable antelope lived through Africa’s longest running conflict in part because of its symbolic significance to each of the warring sides.

There are 4 recognized subspecies or races of Sable Antelope: Zambian (Hippotragus niger kirkii), Common or Southern (Hippotragus niger niger), Eastern (Hippotragus niger roosevelti), and the Giant or Angolan (Hippotragus niger variani). The Kirki, Common, and Northern subspecies are listed in the "Lower Risk-Conservation Dependent" category by C.I.T.E.S, and has no listing in F.W.S. or I.U.C.N. However, C.I.T.E.S., F.W.S., and I.U.C.N. have placed the Giant Sable Antelope in the "critically endangered" category.

Sable Antelope do not start life with a dark coat. A newborn calf is born with a camouflaging, sandy-brown coat. As the calf grows and achieves status in the herd, its coat will continually darken (Wolfsen 1997). The coat color of adult females and sub-adult males range from a rich-chestnut brown to brownish-black. Fully mature males generally have the darkest coat coloration, brownish-black or a pitch-black color that glistens in the sunlight. The abdominal, rump, and facial areas are a sharp contrasting white color. The coat coloration appears to be under hormonal control. If a mature male is castrated, he will lose the black color and return to a brown color. (Refer to the picture on the following page. The mature female has a darker coat then a then a newly castrated male.) A black facial stripe, running from the horn base to the nostrils, camouflages the species’ large black eye.

The scientific name of the Sable Antelope, Hippotragus, is a composite of two Greek words, "hippo"-meaning "horse-like" and "tragus"-meaning "goat". The Sable Antelope appears horse-like in many of its physical features. The ears are long and pointed, averaging 6.3–7.4 inches (16-19 cm.)(Kingdon 1982) in length. They have a mane that starts between their ears and ends between their shoulder blades. The Sable Antelope’s mane is denser and stands more upright. The neck is broad and thickly muscled. The tail grows 15-18 inches (38-46 cm.)(Kingdon 1982) long and ends in a small tuft of hair. Sable Antelope have a compact and powerful body stature. The body height, hooves to shoulders, ranges from 46-55.1 inches (117-140 cm.)(Kingdon 1982). The body length, nose to rump, ranges from 77.6–82.7 inches (197-210cm.)(Kingdon 1982). A full grown female weighs around 400 pounds (178 Kg.), while a male can weigh as much as 660 pounds (300 Kg.)(Stuart and Stuart 1989). Both sexes are equipped with large, ringed, sickle-shaped horns that arch over the back. The horns serve as very affective defensive weapons against natural predators and are used in dominance fighting. Male horns generally arch further over the back, and grow longer and thicker then a female’s. Horn length varies within a subspecies and between the subspecies. Final adult horn length can range from 40-65 inches (101.6-165.1cm.)(Wolfsen 1997). The Northern subspecies generally grows the shortest horns, while the Giant Sable tends to grow the longest horns (Mochi and Carter 1971).

Sable antelope are diurnal in nature, meaning they are most active in the daylight.

Currently Giant Sable Antelope are found only in central Angola in the Luando Reserve and Kangandala National Park, indicated by the letter "G" on the map. It is estimated that only 1000 survive.

Sable antelope inhabit dry open woodlands and medium tall grass savannas. They generally avoid dense woodlands and short grass savannas (Stuart 1997).

They graze on a variety of short grasses abundant during the growing season and survive by browsing on herbs, bushes, and trees during the harsh dry season. Sable Antelope have a ruminant digestive system.

Giant Sable Antelope specimens have recently been introduced to South Africa.

This species lives in miombo (Brachystegia) woodland and open savanna woodland; it does not occur in open grass savanna. Drinking water is essential (Haltenorth & Diller, 1980; East, 1988, 1989).

Other Info:

The Sable Antelope (Hippotragus niger), is an antelope which inhabits wooded savannah in East Africa south of Kenya, and in Southern Africa. Three subspecies are recognized. The Giant Sable Antelope of central Angola is critically endangered. The Zambian Sable Antelope of central Angola and western Zambia is classified as vulnerable.

The Sable Antelope stands 47 to 55 inches at the shoulder and weigh 440 to 595 pounds, males being larger than females. Female Sable Antelope are chestnut to dark brown darkening as they mature while males are very distinctively black. Both sexes have a white underbelly, white cheeks and a white chin. They have a shaggy mane on the back of their neck. Sable antelope have ringed horns which arch backward, in females these can reach a meter, but in males they can reach over one and a half meters.

Sable Antelope live in wooded savannah where they eat mid-length grass and leaves. They are diurnal but are less active during the heat of the day. Sable Antelope form herds of ten to thirty females and calves led by a single male. Sable Antelope males will fight among themselves; they drop to their knees and use their horns.

The sable antelope was one of the national emblems of Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe).

Gemsbok

Average Mass:
240 kg (528 lb)

Average Shoulder Height:
120 cm (47")

Rowland Ward:
101.60 cm (40")

Track: 95mm (3 3/4") x 70mm (2 3/4")
According to East (1996) and Wilson & Reeder (1993), the gemsbok is recorded in Angola , Botswana , Djibouti , Ethiopia , Kenya , Namibia , South Africa , Somalia , Sudan , Tanzania , Uganda , Zimbabwe and Eritrea. The gemsbok has been largely reintroduced or introduced in areas outside its original range in South Africa (East, 1989)

The species primarily occurs in open grassy plains and dry steppe, but also in light woodlands and desert areas (Van der Walt, 1986; East, 1988, 1989; Mills & Hes, 1997).

The Name "Oryx": "Oryx" comes from the Greek word "orux," meaning "pick-axe" (horns). "Gemsbok" is the Afrikaans (South African Dutch) word for the animal meaning "chamois buck." "Beisa" is unknown, but is probably the native African word for the animal.

Description
This is a powerful-looking antelope with a well-defined pattern on the head and body. On the face, there are three black stripes alternating with three white ones. There is a black stripe running down the center of the back. The white underside is separated from the gray flanks by a black line. The tail is long and has a black tuft. The horns are nearly straight and almost parallel, and average about 30 inches long. The female's horns are usually longer and slimmer. There are two distinct races of gemsbok: a northern form which often has its ears fringed in black, and a southern form with longer horns, rounder ears, and a darker rump. Length of head and body is up to six feet, shoulder height about 4 feet, and it weighs up to 450 pounds.
Behavior

Gemsbok generally live in herds of up to 40 individuals, often in association with other species of antelope or with zebras. The males are often solitary animals, however. Active from dawn through nightfall, it feeds on grass and leaves, and can survive long periods without drinking any water. The horns are effective weapons. When fighting, the head is lowered between the forelegs in order to impale the enemy.

Southern Greater Kudu

Average Mass:
230 kg (505 lb)

Average Shoulder Height:
150 cm (59")

Rowland Ward:
136.85 cm (53 7/8 ")

Track: 111mm (4 3/8") x 51mm (2")
Distribution is Angola, Botswana, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Zaire, Zambia, Zimbabwe and Malawi. It is believed that over a 200 000 live and are roaming free in the Greater Baviaanskloof Area (Eastern and Western Cape)
Tall and majestic with the most spectacular horns, one of Africa's most sought after trophies.  This animal certainly ranks as one of Africa's most handsome species.  Ernest Hemingway called this shy and elusive animal "the gray ghost".  The short smooth coat varies in general colour from greyish to greyish brown, with old bulls becoming greyer and their necks becoming darker in the breeding season.  Both sexes have a short upright mane from the top of the head to the shoulders, where it forms a crest and continues down the spine.  Distinctive features include a white chevron-shaped mark extending from the eyes across the upper nose and exceptionally large pink ears.  There are numerous white markings, including 6-10 vertical stripes across the back and down the flanks, variable white patches on the sides of the face and white on the top lip and chin.  The black-tipped, bushy tail is white underneath and there are black garters on the upper legs
Only Males have horns rising from the top of the head in wide spirals with a distinct ridge along their length, diverging slightly as they slant back from the head.  The spirals are normally up to 2 1/2 turns, occasionally having 3 full turns.  Average horn lengths are between 40 - 56" with lengths longer than 58" being rare.  These beautifully shaped horns have long been prized in Africa for use as musical instruments, containers and symbolic ritual objects.  Though rare, there have been cases of female Kudu's growing horns that are very unlike the males usually being thin.
Preferred habitat includes mixed scrub woodland, acacia and bush on lowlands, hills and mountains.  They are particularly partial to rugged broken country where they have a cover of woodland and a nearby supply of water. Can survive on farms, provided sufficient cover remains.
Feed mainly by browsing and are able to pick out scanty, high quality foods from much poorer surrounding vegetation.  They eat fruit, seed pods, flowers and leaves, often choosing plants that others reject because of unpleasant taste.  They occasionally graze on new, fresh green grass.

Nyala

Average Mass:
110 kg (242 lb)

Average Shoulder Height:
112 cm (44")

Rowland Ward:
68.58 cm (27")

Track: 60mm (2 3/8") x 41mm (1 5/8 ")
Restricted to the Southern African subregion, the nyala is found in Malawi , Mozambique , Natal and East Transvaal in South Africa , Swaziland and Zimbabwe (Wilson & Reeder, 1993; East, 1996. In Transvaal , Natal and Swaziland this species occurs widely on private land outside its natural range (Fig. 8.6.37.a).

The species occurs in a mosaic of dense mopane thickets and more open woodlands, pans and scrubs. It is not present in the mountains (Kingdon, 1997; East, 1989).

Southern-Cape Eland

Average Mass:
700 kg (1540lb)

Average Shoulder Height:
170 cm (67")

Rowland Ward:
88.90 cm (35")

Track: 114mm (4 1/2") x 95mm (3 3/4")

Distribution is all over South Africa, but preferred areas, Eastern and Western Cape (1994) game hunting tribunal.

Elands live in both steppe and sparse forests. They are also found in semi-desert areas and at elevations up to 14400 ft. During the heat of the day, they are often found in shaded areas.

Eland males are much larger than females, weighing 400-1000 kg compared to 300-600 kg for females. Hides are a uniform fawn color with some vertical white striping on the upper parts. A dewlap, thought to be an adaptation for heat dissapation, hangs from the throat and neck. Heavy horns are twisted in a corkscrew fashion and grow up to 4 ft. long on males, 2.2 ft. long on females. A short mane occurs on the nape, and males have long hairs on the throat.

Reproduction

Dominant males mate with multiple females. In some areas, there are distinct breeding seasons--in Zambia, for example, young are born in July and August. Gestation lasts from 8.5-9 months and only single young are born. Male young weigh between 28-35 kg, while female young weight between 23-31 kg. Small calves lie in concealment rather than remaining with their mothers. Weaning occurs after 6 months, and sexual maturity occurs at about 3 years. Maximum lifespan is 25 years. Young often associate in groups of their peers.

Behavior

Herds usually number up to 25 individuals, although larger temporary aggregations of females and calves occur during the wet season. There may be more than one adult male in a herd, but there is a strict dominance hierarchy that controls access to breeding females. Home ranges of females, which make extensive movements during the wet season, are much than those of males, . Male territories occur primarily in wooded areas. Fighting between males is done with horns. Males feel out each others' horns, and then push with all their might.

Food Habits

The diet of elands consist of grasses, herbs, tree leaves, bushes, and succulent fruits. They generally forage in open areas. Water is consumed voraciously when available, but elands can abstain from drinking in dry seasons.

Elands provide large amount of tender meat, as well as high-quality hides. There has been efforts to domesticate them for both their meat and their milk, which has much higher protein content and milkfat than the milk of cows. To date, only one of these domestication attempts has been successful.

Although elands are massive, they are excellent jumpers and can clear heights of 1.5 meters.

Livingstone’s Eland

Average Mass:
700 kg (1540lb)

Average Shoulder Height:
170 cm (67")

Rowland Ward:
88.90 cm (35")

Track: 114mm (4 1/2") x 95mm (3 3/4")

Distribution is Angola, Botswana, Malawi, Namibia, RSA, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

Elands live in both steppe and sparse forests. They are also found in semi-desert areas and at elevations up to 14400 ft. During the heat of the day, they are often found in shaded areas.

Eland males are much larger than females, weighing 400-1000 kg compared to 300-600 kg for females. Hides are a uniform fawn color with some vertical white striping on the upper parts. A dewlap, thought to be an adaptation for heat dissapation, hangs from the throat and neck. Heavy horns are twisted in a corkscrew fashion and grow up to 4 ft. long on males, 2.2 ft. long on females. A short mane occurs on the nape, and males have long hairs on the throat.

Reproduction

Dominant males mate with multiple females. In some areas, there are distinct breeding seasons--in Zambia, for example, young are born in July and August. Gestation lasts from 8.5-9 months and only single young are born. Male young weigh between 28-35 kg, while female young weight between 23-31 kg. Small calves lie in concealment rather than remaining with their mothers. Weaning occurs after 6 months, and sexual maturity occurs at about 3 years. Maximum lifespan is 25 years. Young often associate in groups of their peers.

Behavior

Herds usually number up to 25 individuals, although larger temporary aggregations of females and calves occur during the wet season. There may be more than one adult male in a herd, but there is a strict dominance hierarchy that controls access to breeding females. Home ranges of females, which make extensive movements during the wet season, are much than those of males, . Male territories occur primarily in wooded areas. Fighting between males is done with horns. Males feel out each others' horns, and then push with all their might.

Food Habits

The diet of elands consist of grasses, herbs, tree leaves, bushes, and succulent fruits. They generally forage in open areas. Water is consumed voraciously when available, but elands can abstain from drinking in dry seasons.

Elands provide large amount of tender meat, as well as high-quality hides. There has been efforts to domesticate them for both their meat and their milk, which has much higher protein content and milkfat than the milk of cows. To date, only one of these domestication attempts has been successful.

Although elands are massive, they are excellent jumpers and can clear heights of 1.5 meters.

African Buffalo-Southern

Average Mass:
785 kg (1725lb)

Average Shoulder Height:
170 cm (67")

Rowland Ward:
114.30 cm (45")

Track: 152mm (6") x 152mm (6")

Distribution is Angola, Botswana, Burundi, Kenya, South Africa, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda, Zaire, Zambia, Malawi, Mozambique.

The African, or Cape, buffalo is a member of the so-called "Big Five" group of animals, with the elephant, rhino, lion and leopard. Once popular trophies for hunters, these large and often dangerous animals have continued to capture the imagination. Buffaloes have earned a bad reputation from hunters and other people who come in close contact with them. They are unpredictable and can be dangerous if cornered or wounded. Though they have been known to ambush men and are often accused of deliberate savagery, they are usually placid if left alone.

They are large, heavy cow like animals. They vary greatly not only in size, but in the shapes of their horns and colour. Adults are usually dark gray or black (or even look red or white if they have been wallowing in mud of that colour.) and the young are often reddish-brown. The smaller forest buffalo maintains the red colour. even as an adult, although in western Uganda, many savanna buffaloes are also red or pale orange instead of black. Adults lose hair as they age.
Both male and female buffaloes have heavy, ridged horns that grow straight out from the head or curve downward and then up. The horns are formidable weapons against predators and for jostling for space within the herd; males use the horns in fights for dominance.
They live close to water. In general buffaloes are found throughout the northern and southern savanna as well as the lowland rain forest.
Buffaloes can live in herds of a few hundred, but have been known to congregate in thousands in the Serengeti during the rainy season. The females and their offspring make up the bulk of the herd. Males may spend much of their time in bachelor groups. These groups are of two types, those that contain males from 4 to 7 years of age and those that have males 12 years and older. The older bulls often prefer to be on their own. Males do not reach their full weight until about age 10. After this, however, their body weight and condition decline, probably because the teeth become worn.
Sight and hearing are both rather poor, but scent is well developed in buffaloes. Although quiet for the most part, the animals do communicate. In mating seasons they grunt and emit hoarse bellows. A calf in danger will bellow mournfully, bringing herd members running at a gallop to defend it.
Food sources play more of an important role than predation in regulating buffalo numbers. Without fresh green feed, buffaloes lose condition faster than other savanna ungulates, and so death is often due to malnutrition.
Grass forms the greatest part of the savanna buffalo's diet, although at certain times of the year browse plants other than grass is also consumed. Buffaloes spend more time feeding at night than during the day. They seem to have a relatively poor ability to regulate body temperature and remain in the shade for long periods of time in the heat of the day, or wallow in mud.
Females have their first calves at age 4 or 5. They usually calve only once every two years. Although young may be born throughout the year, most births occur in the rainy season when abundant grass improves the nutritional level for the females when they are pregnant or nursing. The female and her offspring have an unusually intense and prolonged relationship. Calves are suckled for as long as a year and during this time are completely dependent on their mothers. Female offspring usually stay in the natal herd, but males leave when they are about 4 years old.
If attacked, the adults in the herd form a circle around the young and face outward. By lowering their heads and presenting a solid barrier of sharp horns, it is difficult for predators to seize a calf. This effective group defence even allows blind and crippled members of the herd to survive. Thus predators do not have a major impact on buffalo herds; it is the old, solitary-living males that are most likely to be taken by lions.

Outside the national parks buffaloes frequently come into conflict with human interests. They break fences and raid cultivated crops and may spread bovine diseases to domestic stock. They are still numerous in many parts of Africa, even though they have been periodically devastated by the rinderpest virus. In some areas of Africa, buffaloes have been eliminated or their numbers greatly reduced.

The African buffalo differs from the domesticated water buffalo found in other parts of the world, although they both superficially resemble one another.

The buffalo is one of the most abundant of Africa's large herbivores. It depends on water and does not live in regions with less than 10 inches of rain a year.

Warthog

Average Mass:
80 kg (176 lb)

Average Shoulder Height:
70 cm (28")

Rowland Ward:
33.02 cm (13")

Track: 51mm (2") x 44mm (1 3/4")

The extant warthog range extends discontinuously across the Sahelian zones and Guinea savannas from Mauritania and Ethiopia, as far south as Namibia and northern South Africa (Wilson & Reeder, 1993; Oliver, 1993).
This species lives in savanna grasslands and open woodlands; it is less associated with more densely vegetated habitat types (Oliver, 1993; Estes, 1991; Skinner & Smithers, 1990).

Bushpig

Average Mass:
65 kg (145 lb)

Average Shoulder Height:
75 cm (30")

Rowland Ward:
13.97 cm (5 1/2")

Track: 41mm (1 5/8") x 38mm (1 1/2")
Still distributed over a relatively wide natural range, the bushpig occurs from Somalia to eastern and southern former Zaire and southwards to Cape Province and Natal in South Africa (Oliver, 1993), having probably been introduced on Madagascar, Comoro and Mayotte Islands (Wilson & Reeder, 1993).
This species lives in forests and other habitat types with dense vegetation. It is water bound (Oliver, 1993; Kingdon, 1997).

Leopard

Average Mass:
82 kg (180 lb)

Average Shoulder Height:
71 cm (28")

Rowland Ward:
39.06 cm (15 3/8")

Track:108mm (4 1/4") x 108mm (4 1/4")
The most widely distributed of the cat family, the leopard occurs throughout Africa (with the only exception of the Sahara desert), wherever there is sufficient cover.

The species can live in a variety of environments, from wet forests to arid lands, through woodland, bush savannas and grasslands. It appears to be absent only from true desert. Able to adapt to altered environments and settled areas, it also occurs in extensively cultivated ranges (Kitchener, 1991; Kingdon, 1997; Richardson, 1992; Yalden et al., 1980).

Cape Mountain Zebra

Average Mass:
310 kg (682 lb)

Average Shoulder Height:
120 cm (47")

Rowland Ward:
nc

Track: 127mm (5") x 102mm (4")
The Cape mountain zebra (Equus zebra zebra) is the smallest of the extant zebras and the most restricted geographically.
Its broad black stripes are closely spaced on a pure white body. Overall it is stockier than the Hartmann's zebra, has longer ears, and has a larger dewlap. The Cape mountain zebra formerly inhabited all the mountain ranges of the southern Cape Province of South Africa. By 1922, however, only 400 were believed to survive. To counteract the continued decline, Mountain Zebra National Park was established in 1937 on acacia veld near Cradock, South Africa, but its small population of Cape mountain zebra became extinct in 1950. That same year reintroductions from nearby remnant populations began.
Eleven animals were donated from a nearby farm in 1950, and in 1964 another small herd was added. By the late 1960s, the total Cape mountain population was only 140 but grew to 200 by 1979, with 75 percent of the animals in Mountain Zebra National Park . In 1984, the population was back to 400 head. Since then a few zebras have been reintroduced to the Cape Point Nature Reserve.
The most diagnostic feature of mountain zebra is a square flap of skin or dewlap on the throat, best developed on males. Mountain zebras never form the large herds characteristic of plains zebras, but do exhibit a harem-type social system. During the winter they move up to twenty kilometers (12 mi.) from a water source.
With references to Cape Mountain Zebra in Caledon, Botrivier, the Langeberg, Witteberg, Swellendam, Riviersonderend as well as the George and Oudtshoorn mountains, it can be assumed with confidence that they occurred in all the mountains of the south-west Cape, with incursions to the plains at the base of the mountains at times. 
In an authoritative work on the Cape Mountain Zebra by Penzhorn (1988) he wrote:  "Historically Cape Mountain Zebra occurred throughout the mountainous regions of the Cape Province of South Africa from the Amatola Mountains in the Cathcart District westward and northward to the Kamiesberg in Namaqualand." 
Historical records on the distribution of Cape Mountain Zebra often refer to claims by early explorers and authors that the Cape Mountain Zebra was the male and the Quagga the female of what they took to be the same species.  This misconception in itself tends to confirm that the two species must have shared the same feeding grounds and to some extent confirms that the Cape Mountain Zebra's historical range was not restricted to mountainous areas, as is the case today.
Skead (1989) writes as follows:  "These zebras might never have gone far from the mountains, especially when the white man started colonising the country and taking over the zebra's grazing grounds, but this (ability to utilize flat country) would have been a precautionary measure enabling them to reach more inaccessible ground in the shortest possible time, a fact which may account for this species' survival against the true Quagga's extermination in the face of its inability to adopt to a mountain refuge."
Studies of habitat utilization in the Mountain Zebra National Park at Cradock showed the versatility of Cape Mountain Zebras in utilizing all the available plant communities except riparian bush communities.  In the same study, Cape Mountain Zebra showed a clear preference for grassland vegetation communities on the plateaux and dwarf shrubland communities with high grass biomass.  During the dry season Cape Mountain Zebra showed a greater diversity in their use of plant communities and greater use of those plant communities on mountain slopes and in ravines.
In the only study found on home range determination for Cape Mountain Zebra, Penzhorn (1982) found an average home range of 9,4 sq km for 16 breeding herds of Cape Mountain Zebra in the Mountain Zebra National Park. 

Hartmann’s Zebra

Average Mass:
300 kg (660 lb)

Average Shoulder Height:
150 cm (59")

Rowland Ward: nc

Track: 121mm (4 3/4") x 89mm (3 1/2")
Hartmann's mountain zebras are the largest of the mountain zebras. They look whiter than the Cape mountain zebras because their black stripes are narrower and more widely spaced.
There are two kinds of mountain zebra. They are the Hartman's mountain zebra and the Cape mountain zebra. Taxonomists placed them in the subspecies group because the original mountain zebras may have changed morphologically through geographic isolation. The Hartman's mountain zebra is an endangered wild equid living in a harsh yet fragile environment. This subspecies is differentiated from it's close relative, the Cape mountain zebra because of it's body size, ears and stripes. This Mountain Zebra is named after Dr. George Hartmann, 4-8-1865 to + 1945. Hartmann was a geographer, explorer, colonial politician and Major of the German land resistance. Hartmann is said to have named this zebra after his wife whose maiden name was Anna Woermann daughter of a ship-owner in Hamburg Germany.
Physical Description-Adults
Hartmann's zebras have broad black stripes with an off-white, creamy color between them. The black stripes on the animals' sides do not meet on the belly. The leg stripes extend horizontally, all the way down to the top of the hooves. These leg stripes can be thin and wrap around the entire leg. The stripe that covers the spine and top portion of the tail is said to be "zipper-like" in appearance. The most characteristic and interesting feature of both mountain zebra subspecies is a square flap of skin on the throat just below the head. This flap of skin, or dewlap, is larger on the males.
The average adult height at the shoulder is 120 - 130 cm or 4 - 4.3 ft. and the tail length is 50 cm or 20 in. The body length is 220 cm or 7.3 ft. The weight is 260 - 370 kg or 572 - 814 lb. There is no significant size difference between the sexes except the stallions are usually heavier.
Physical Description-Foals
Foals weigh about 25 kg or 55 pounds at birth. The foals' white stripes are more brown in color than white. As a foal matures the stripes become white. Foals nurse for as long as 7 months. They are capable of grazing when they are 2 weeks old. Like many zebras the foal can stand on its feet within an hour after its birth and can run with the herd after a few hours. This adaptation gives zebra foals a much better chance of escaping from predators. Both male and female Hartmann's mountain zebras sexually mature after two years.
Life Cycle
The longevity of Hartmann's mountain zebras is between 25 to 30 years. They are not considered seasonal breeders since mares can foal any time of the year, but most foal sometime during the rainy season when the grass is at its best. Gestation, is 300 to 365 days.
Behavioral Description
Hartmann's mountain zebras live in family groups that are made up of mares, foals and a dominant stallion. The normal size of a family group is 5 to 10 zebras. Stallions must fight for a dominant position in a family group. The winning stallion passes on his physical abilities for fighting to his foals. In this way zebras maintain the best physical shape for survival. After two years a male foal leaves his family group to form a bachelor group with other males. The males challenge stallions to get their own group or start new ones if enough mares are available from oversized family groups.
Some authorities have observed that Hartmann's mountain zebras orient their bodies with the sun during the day. Hartmann's mountain zebras will climb eastward facing slopes to absorb the sun's morning warmth. As the day progresses they find shade. In Africa's Namib desert Hartmann's mountain zebras have been observed to sniff out water on the surface of dry river beds. They paw at the ground with their hooves to get to water that is sometimes three feet below the surface. By doing so these zebra's benefit other desert dwelling animals. It has also been mentioned that Hartmann's mountain zebras can go without water for four days.
Hartmann's mountain zebras are diurnal. Most activity is during the coolest hours which is the morning and late afternoon. More than half of their day is spent eating and looking for food. They take dust baths once or twice a day.They are also excellent climbers and more sure-footed compared to zebras that live on the flat plains. Family groups are often found grazing with other animals.
Habitat Description
Parts of the Namib desert in which these animals live are covered with pink or peach colored sand dunes. The area is cris-crossed with granite river ravines that sustain a diversity of plant and animal life. Hartmann's mountain zebras depend very much on these rivers for survival. The Naukluft region of Namib has been set aside as an African national park. Many Hartmann's mountain zebras live in the Naukluft region. Some of the trees that grow in the ravines are Sycamore figs (Ficus sycomorus), sweet thorns and ebonies (Euclea pseudebenus). The grass grows as tall, tough mounds.
Somewhat unrelated to the Hartmann's mountain zebra is a rare and unique plant that grows in their habitat called Welwitschia Mirabilis.
Environmental Interactions
Hartmann's mountain zebra mix freely with groups of other grazing animals; the significance of this being that the combined sharp senses of a group of animals help detect predators. Together they form an effective early warning system against the areas predators; leopards and hyenas. Mammals that live in the same habitat are: steenbok, springbok, oryx, kudu, Dassie Rat, Chacma Baboon, rock dassie, klipspringer and ostrich. Many of these animals have adaptations that enable them to live in such a harsh habitat such as Namib and Naukluft. Herbivores like the Hartmann's mountain zebra have special stomach fauna (animals mentioned above in "Life Cycle" as micro-organisms) to digest rough forage that other animals could not use. Also mentioned is the ability of the Hartmann's mountain zebra to find and expose water for themselves and other desert dwelling animals.
Status in the Wild
IUCN 2000: Endangered.
CITES: Appendix II.
USFWS: Threatened.
Population Estimates:
362 Hartmann's mountain zebra can be found within 47 zoos worldwide.
25,000 are known to exist in the wilds of Nambia.
Historical Range
(Maps are approximations)
The Hartmann's mountain zebra were found primarily in the western half of Namibia with part of their range in the southern most part of Angola and the most northern part of South Africa. There was another large population in the southern end of South Africa.

Modern Range
Scattered range lands in the Namib desert and small scattered ranges in South Africa.

Bibliography
HTTP://www.abap-wildlife.com/articles_spring04.html. Internet, accessed January 2005
Groves, Colin P. Horses, Asses and Zebras in the Wild. Hollywood, FL: Ralph Curtis Books, 1974.
Ultimate Ungulate Fact Sheet online. accessed January 2005. Http://www.ultimateungulate.com/Perissodactyla/Equus_zebra.html
MacClintock, Dorcas. A Natural History of Zebras. New York: Charles Scribner's Sons, 1976.
MacDonald, Dr. David. The Encyclopedia of Mammals. Facts on File, Inc., 1995.
Wildlife Conservation News. accessed January 2005. http://www.abap-wildlife.com/articles_spring04.html
IUCN SSC Equid Specialist Group - EQUID SPECIES. accessed January 2005. http://www.iucn.org/themes/ssc/sgs/equid/MZebra.html

Waterbuck –Ringed

Average Mass:
230 kg (506 lb)

Average Shoulder Height:
127 cm (50")

Rowland Ward:
71.12 cm (28")

Track: 51mm (2") x 44mm (1 3/4")

Distribution is Bostwana, Ethiopia, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Somalia, Tanzania, Zimbabwe and South Africa.
It is a large, robust animal; males are generally about 25 percent larger than the females. Waterbucks have large, rounded ears and white patches above the eyes, around the nose and mouth and on the throat. Only the males have horns, which are prominently ringed and as long as 40 inches. The horns are widely spaced and curve gracefully back and up. They are sometimes used with lethal results when males fight one another over territories.
Despite its name, the waterbuck is not truly aquatic nor as much at home in water and swamps as is the sitatunga or lechwe. It does, however, take refuge there to escape predators.
As its name would indicate, the waterbuck inhabits areas that are close to water in savanna grasslands, gallery forests and riverine woodlands south of the Sahara. Such habitats not only provide sustenance but long grasses and watery places in which to hide from predators.
Although males do compete for and hold territories, the waterbuck is generally a quiet, sedentary animal. Like some other antelopes, the male does not mark his territory with dung or urine, as his presence and smell are apparently sufficient. He tries to retain females that wander into his area, but is seldom successful for long, since the females have large home ranges and, in herds of five to 25, are constantly crossing in and out of males territories. Waterbucks do not migrate or move great distances, so territories are usually held year round.
The waterbuck's habitat furnishes them with a year-round source of food. Mainly grazers, they consume types of coarse grass seldom eaten by other grazing animals and occasionally browse leaves from certain trees and bushes. They feed in the mornings and at night, and rest and ruminate the remainder of the time.
Calves are generally born throughout the year, although breeding becomes more seasonal in some areas, after which a single young is born. The mother hides her young for about 3 weeks, returning three to four times a day to suckle it. Each suckling session lasts only about five minutes, during which time the mother cleans the calf so that no odor is left to attract predators. Even so, there is a high rate of calf mortality.
Although the calves begin to eat grass when they are young, they are nursed for as long as 6 to 8 months. After weaning, they begin to wander-off young males often form all-male groups near the occupied territories, while the young females stay in their mother's group. The waterbuck does not reach adult weight until about 31/2 years. Females mate again soon after bearing young (within 2 to 5 weeks) so the population can increase rapidly.
Hyenas, lions, and leopards are the major predators, but crocodiles, hunting dogs and cheetahs also take waterbuck.
The meat of older waterbuck takes on an unpleasant odor from the waterproofing secretions of its sweat glands, prompting predators to choose other prey.
If the defessa and common waterbucks have bordering ranges they often interbreed; as a result, some scientists consider the two groups as a single species.

South African Bushbuck

Average Mass:
58 kg (125 lb)

Average Shoulder Height:
80 cm (31")
Rowland Ward:
38.10 cm (15")

Track: 41mm (1 5/8") x 25mm (1")

Tragelaphus scriptus is a phenotypically variable pan-African complex, collectively known as bushbuck. The smallest of the spiral-horned antelopes, the bushbuck is the most widely distributed ungulate on the African continent; occurring from as far west as southern Mauritania and Senegal, east across the Sahel to Ethiopia and Somalia and south in all countries to South Africa. Bushbuck are singularly unusual in their ubiquity.
Throughout their extensive distributional range, they inhabit, and appear to be adapted, to a wide variety of ecotypes including rainforest, wooded savanna, semi-arid to arid savanna, sub-desert, fynbos and montane forest. Bushbuck are dependent only on the cover offered by forests, dense bush and thickets (Dorst and Dandelot, 1970). They are usually found in the vicinity of permanent water but are able to subsist on dew in waterless areas (Kingdon 1997).
Evolution and adaptation
Adaptive phenotypic variation across their wide distribution is accordingly high with over 40 subspecies described (Haltenorth 1963, Dorst and Dandelot 1970, Ansell 1972, Skinner and Smithers 1990). In general (see Figure), the form of the holotype (T. s. scriptus) described in Senegal extends throughout West and Central Africa and is believed ancestral. Conspicuousness of striping pattern lessens as bushbuck radiated out of dense forests into the savannas of the Sahel (T. s. pictus, T. s. bor, T. s. uellensis) and South-Central Africa (T. s. ornatus).
The Rift Valley system prevents west to east radiation between Lake Albert in the north and Lake Tanganyika in the South. T. s. ornatus therefore continued to lose its striping pattern and increase in size as it radiated south, resulting in a morphocline (Grubb 2000), the end of which is inhabited by the stripeless T. s. sylvaticus of South Africa. It is unclear whether the lightly striped, larger bushbuck of East Africa were a result of the radiating intermediate forms T. s. ornatus from south of Lake Tanganyika or T. s. bor through the Bahr-el-Ghazal and Uganda.
The arc of mountains stretching from Mt. Meru in Tanzania to the Imatong Mountains in Sudan is a hotspot for bushbuck diversity, with five subspecies (T. s .barkeri, T. s. heterochrous, T. s. meruensis, T. s. insularis, T. s. haywoodi) described. The Ethiopian Highlands east and west of the Omo River and south of the Blue Nile are inhabited by T. s. meneliki. All montane forms are characterised by large size and longer hair.
Molecular Genetics
The many phylogeographic hypotheses arising from such a wide geographic distribution can be tested with mitochondrial DNA sequences of the variable control region as well as single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs).
Molecular variation in this species may be linked to the biochemical mechanisms that enable survival in different habitats. A range of candidate genes have been identified in bovine and ovine studies which are potentially applicable to this species and where SNPs have already been characterised both in the introns and exons of genes involved in traits such as disease resistance (e.g. the Major Histocompatibility Complex), coat colour and pattern (e.g. melanocortin-1 receptor and bovine ectodysplasin-A) and fibre structure genes such as Keratin Associated Proteins and Stratifin.
These systems are currently under study in Prof. Bruford’s laboratory in domestic ungulates. This is a novel approach to molecular ecology, since nearly all studies in this field have concentrated on neutral DNA markers.
This study will not only have applied benefits pertaining to the conservation and management of bushbuck, but will also provide us with the rare opportunity of describing molecular evolution within a continentally distributed species right across its distribution. The latter may enable the understanding of fundamental patterns of gene flow, adaptation and incipient speciation in other continentally distributed or ubiquitous mammal species.

Black Wildebeest-White tailed Gnu

Average Mass:
165 kg (365 lb)

Average Shoulder Height:
119 cm (47")

Rowland Ward:
58.11 cm (22 7/8 ")

Track: 89mm (3 1/2") x 61mm (2 3/8")

Natural populations of this species, endemic to the southern region, have been almost completely exterminated, but the species has been reintroduced widely, both in private areas and nature reserves throughout most of Lesotho , Swaziland , South Africa and Namibia, also introduced outside its natural range (Wilson & Reeder, 1993; East, 1989, 1996).
Its preferred habitat types are grassveld savanna and Karoo of the central South Africa plateau (Lynch, 1983; von Richter, 1974).