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Dangerous weapons
‘In the wild, gemsbocks have to watch out for predators such as lions and hyenas, but they are will equipped to defend themselves thank to their long, straight horns.’
Discover in real lifeHabitat:
arid regions of south-western Africa
Food:
grass, leaves and tubers
Lifespan:
18-20 years
Weight:
♀ 210 kg ♂ 240 kg
Number of young:
1 young
Gestation period:
8.5 months
To see:
Along the walking- and car safaris and game drives
IUCN status:
safe
EEP:
no
About the gemsbok
The gemsbok (Oryx gazella) lives in the arid regions of south-western Africa and survives thanks to clever water-saving strategies: it licks up dew, digs for moisture, does not sweat, and can raise its body temperature to 43 degrees. Males are slightly larger than females and defecate in a small pile by lowering their hind legs, so that their strongly odourous droppings serve as a territorial marker. They eat grass, leaves and tubers, weigh 210 to 240 kilos and live for 18 to 20 years. After a gestation period of 8.5 months, a single young is born, which remains well hidden for the first few weeks and, thanks to its brown camouflage, is barely noticeable to predators.
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Habitat and threats
The gemsbok inhabits the dry, open landscapes of south-western Africa, such as deserts and semi-deserts where rainfall is scarce. Thanks to adaptations such as its ability to extract moisture from plants, it is able to thrive in these extreme environments.
Although the species is currently considered safe, its habitat is under pressure. Due to the expansion of agriculture and livestock grazing, some areas are becoming overgrazed or fragmented. Furthermore, during periods of drought, competition for food and water can arise with both wild animals and livestock. It therefore remains important to protect the vast habitats in which the gemsbok thrives, so that the species remains safe in the future.
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Species conservation in Beekse Bergen
Fortunately, the status of the gemsbok is least concern. But, unfortunately, many of the species you see in Beekse Bergen are endangered and struggling in their native habitats. Did you know that more than 10,000 animal species in the world are in danger of extinction? Together we can help them, with big, or small steps. Want to know how?