Steenbok

Source: Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.
This article is about the African antelope. For the European wild goat sometimes known as "Steinbock" or "steenbok", see
Alpine Ibex
.

Steenbok
Male and female in Etosha N. P.

Least Concern  (IUCN 3.1)[1]
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Mammalia
Order: Artiodactyla
Family: Bovidae
Subfamily: Antilopinae
Genus: Raphicerus
Species:
R. campestris
Binomial name
Raphicerus campestris
Thunberg, 1811
  Distribution based on 1970s data.[2]

The steenbok /ˈsteɪnbɒk, ˈstiːn-/[a] (Raphicerus campestris) is a common small antelope of southern and eastern Africa. It is sometimes known as the steinbuck or steinbok.

Description

phylogenetic relationships (simplified)[4]

Steenbok resemble small oribi, standing 45–60 cm (16"–24") at the shoulder, and weigh 7-16 kg. Their coat is any shade from fawn to rufous, typically rather orange. The underside, including chin and throat, is white, as is the ring around the eye. Ears are large with "finger-marks" on the inside. Males have straight, smooth, parallel horns 7–19 cm long (see image left). There is a black crescent-shape between the ears, a long black bridge to the glossy black nose, and a black circular scent-gland in front of the eye. The tail is not usually visible, being only 4–6 cm long.

Distribution

There are two distinct clusters in steenbok distribution. In East Africa, it occurs in central and southern Kenya and northern Tanzania. It was formerly widespread in Uganda,[2] but is now almost certainly extinct there. In Southern Africa, it occurs in Angola, Namibia, South Africa, Eswatini, Botswana, Mozambique, Zambia, Zimbabwe and probably Lesotho.

Habitat

Steenbok live in a variety of

sympatric with Steenbok in the wet season).[6]

Population density is typically 0.3–1.0 individuals per square kilometre, reaching 4 per km2 in optimal habitats.[7]

Diet

Steenbok typically

graze on grass.[6]
They are almost entirely independent of drinking water, gaining the moisture they need from their food.

Behaviour

Steenbok are active during the day and the night; however, during hotter periods, they rest under shade during the heat of the day. The time spent feeding at night increases in the dry season.[9] While resting, they may be busy grooming, ruminating or taking brief spells of sleep.[10]

Anti-predator

Steenbok typically lie low in vegetation cover at the first sign of threat

At the first sign of trouble, steenbok typically lie low in the vegetation. If a predator or perceived threat comes closer, a steenbok will leap away and follow a zigzag route to try to shake off the pursuer. Escaping steenbok frequently stop to look back, and flight is alternated with prostration during extended pursuit. They are known to take refuge in the burrows of

jackals, leopard, martial eagle and pythons
.

Breeding

Steenbok are typically solitary, except for when a pair come together to

oestrus, engaging in "bluff-and-bluster" type displays with rival males—prolonged contests invariably involve well-matched individuals, usually in their prime.[10]

Breeding occurs throughout the year, although more fawns are born November to December in the southern spring–summer; some females may breed twice a year.

precocial
fawn is produced. The fawn is kept hidden in vegetation for 2 weeks, but suckles for 3 months. Females become sexually mature at 6–8 months and males at 9 months.

Steenbok are known to live for 7 years or more.

Taxonomy

Two

MSW3 also recognizes capricornis and kelleni.[11]
Up to 24 subspecies have been described from Southern Africa, distinguished on such features as coat colour.

Gallery

Notes

  1. ^ STAYN-bok, STEEN-[3]

References

  1. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2016-1.RLTS.T19308A50193533.en
    . Retrieved 12 November 2021.
  2. ^
    ISBN 0-00-219294-2
    )
  3. ISBN 0-550-10105-5
    .
  4. PMID 11420362
    . Retrieved 2007-06-17.
  5. ^
    ISBN 0-12-408355-2
    )
  6. ^
    doi:10.1111/j.1365-2028.1993.tb00516.x
    .
  7. ^ Kleiman, David G. et al., Eds. 2003. Grzimek's Animal Life Encyclopedia, 2nd edn. Vol. 16: Mammals V. Gale Cengage Learning. Pp. 59–72.
  8. doi:10.1111/j.1365-2028.1990.tb01136.x
    .
  9. ISBN 1868725502
    .
  10. ^ a b Cohen, Michael. 1976. The Steenbok: A neglected species. Custos (April 1976): 23–26.
  11. OCLC 62265494
    .

External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Raphicerus campestris.
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