The Gemsbok, or South African oryx (Oryx gazella) is a large antelope endemic to South Africa, Zimbabwe, Botswana, and Namibia. This elegant antelope with its large horns and beautiful coloring remains a firm favorite of many hunters booking an African hunt. Although they are listed with a status of “least concern” by the IUCN, their numbers remain carefully monitored due to poaching and trophy hunting.

One of the more striking African plains game antelopes, the gemsbok prefers rocky plains but can survive in dry and desolate regions, with many inhabiting the Namib and Kalahari Deserts. They are well adapted for survival in these hot areas and can survive without water for prolonged periods. They eat grasses but also dig for roots and tubers that store water. They are diurnal and nocturnal, grazing at night when it’s cooler to gather moisture from water-saturated plants.

The gemsbok defends itself using its long, thick horns, and many predators, including lions, cheetahs, and hyenas, have come horribly short when attacking an adult. Males will also use their horns while sparing with other males and defending their territories.

Breeding season for the gemsbok is year-round, although water and food availability plays a role. The females gestate for 9-10 months, after which one calf is born. She will usually come into heat again within 3-4 weeks of giving birth, leaving little time between pregnancies.