Specie Name :                       GEMSBOK

Scientific Name :         Oryx gazella

Description :
                        Unmistakable.
                                Grey with black line on spine, black spot on rump and tail.
                                Horizontal black line low along sides, above white belly.
                                Face and legs black and white.
                                Thick neck, carried forward.

Horns:
                        Both sexes have long, straight, ridged horns that stretch back in a V shape.
                                Females' horns are straighter and more slender, while males' horns bow slightly to a
                                bell shape and are stouter towards the bases.
                                Females develop longer horns than males and are more likely to suffer deformity of the horn/s.

Mass:
                      180 - 240 kg.

Habitat :
                        Dry semi-desert and desert areas with open grass and low shrub.

Behavior :
                        Found in herds of up to 40.
                                Older males may also be solitary.
                                Feed on grass or excavated bulbs and may go without water for long periods.
                                Single calf born in summer, after 9 months gestation, stays concealed initially.

Hunt Method :
                        A worthy opponent and a challenge to hunt on foot.
                              The gemsbok has excellent eyesight and is fast when fleeing, while its resistance to
                              bullets is well known.
                              It is dangerous when wounded and may make a stand to await its pursuer with
                              lightning-fast horns.
                              Neck shots are dicey since the position of the spinal column within the thick neck is deceptive                        
                              and it is easy to shoot too high.