Oryx gemsbok – shoulder mount – Oryx gazella

The oryx gemsbok is a large antelope that enters the genus Oryx, in the family of hippotraginids.

The gemsbok measures between 1.60 to 2.30 m long from nose to tail. Its tail can reach 90 cm long. An adult male reached 220 to 250kg on its weight, the adult female is smaller and weighs between 180 to 210 kg. The V-shaped and thin horns are present in both sexes. However, the form V is much wider in a male. In addition, there are more slashed. Its body is brown, its head is a black and white mask, its legs are as white-spotted black. The sidewall is white and its tail is bushy and black. Its very fine members allow it to run up to 65 km/h.

This species is found only in the Kalahari Desert, Botswana and Namibia. It loves the steppes, savannas and rocky parts. Elevated areas from 900 to 1200 m altitude do not bother.

The gemsbok lives in small herd of 10 to 40 individuals. The community is sedentary, which can occupy a large area. The scarcity of food in the desert has developed an energy saving system in this animal. This herbivore eats little. This ruminant consumes grasses, tubers, melons and roots. It draws its water resource in these plants.

An oryx gemsbok is sexually mature from the age of 1 and a half year. The female is pregnant for 9 to 10 months. She then give birth to a small litter. It can breed at any season of the year.

In the wild, it can live up to fifteen years. However, longevity can be up to 24 years in captivity.

It is not an endangered species.