Above all other antelopes the Oryx embodies the spirit of the Namibian desert. It is at home in vast shadeless spaces under a fiery sun sheltered by scant thorn trees.
He is the thoroughbred of the desert, built like a polo pony with incredible strength and endurance, but sustained only on sparse desert grass. When deprived of drinking water it uses several measures to minimise its water needs, notably allowing its body temperature to rise from a normal 35.7°C to 45°C (113F) then using evaporative cooling by nasal panting and sweating. It also concentrates its urine and absorbs all possible moisture.
A large antelope with striking black and white markings on the face and legs, black side stripes on the flanks and a long black tail. Bulls measure 1.2m at the shoulders and attain a mass of 240 Kg. Both bulls and cows have horns. Male horns are shorter and stockier than female horns.
Gemsbok mostly feed on nutritious leaves, grasses and herbs. During the dry season they feed on flowers and will also browse for food. To supplement water requirements gemsbok dig for succulents and extensively eat tsama melons.
Although the Gemsbok does not have a specific breeding season. Usually only one calf is born after a gestation period of approximately 9 months. Mating takes place between receptive females and the dominant male of the territory.
Female herds, including non-territorial bulls, in search for fodder will move between the territories of dominant bulls. To avoid conflict non-territorial bulls are submissive towards aggressive challenges from territorial bulls. The behaviour of this species is geared to energy and water conservation. In the heat of the day they will lie-up in the shades of trees. Where shade is not available they will orientate themselves to present as little as possible of their body surface to the sun. Lone bulls are common and have been known to kill attacking lions by impaling them with their strong horns.
Preferred habitat is arid open grasslands, but they will also utilize a diversity of habitats like western Namib rocky areas, sand dunes of the Namib Desert and the Kalahari semi-desert plains.
In the desert areas of Southern Africa: Namib Desert, the Kalahari, Gemsbok National Park and on many other reserves and private land.
Lions, Leopards, Cheetahs, Spotted Hyenas and Wild Dogs prey upon the Gemsbok and calves are especially vulnerable, accounting for their very high mortality rate.
