Steenbok

Steenboks live in two distinct populations, one in East Africa and the other in the south of the continent. They are strictly grassland antelopes and never enter woodland areas. Between the great savannahs of East Africa and the velds (another name for grasslands) of southern Africa grows a belt of woodland. This woodland divides the steenbok population in two, and communication between the groups is extremely limited.

They live alone or in breeding pairs. The antelopes occupy a small territory, which they mark with piles of dung and enforce by chasing away intruders. Unlike most antelopes, the steenbok does not use scented secretions from glands on the face to mark their territory.

Steenboks are small antelopes. Only the males have horns, which protrude directly up from the head. The steenboks have sharp hooves for digging roots and other foods out of the ground.

Breeding takes place all year round but most calves are born in the summer. They are weaned by 3 months and live independently by the end of their first year.

Distribution: South and East Africa.

Habitat: Grasslands with cover.

Food: Grasses and roots.

Size: 70 - 95 cm (2.25 - 3 ft); 7 - 16 kg (15.5 - 35.25 lb).

Maturity: 1 year.

Breeding: Calves born throughout year.

Life span: 12 years.

Status: Common.