Targeting the gray rhebok

The gray rhebuck (Pelea capreolus), also known as the vaal rhebok or the vaalribbok, is a small antelope native to southern Africa. These African plains game antelopes are found in South Africa, Lesotho, Swaziland, and a very small section of southernmost Namibia. 

In terms of habitat, the gray rhebok prefers to inhabit mountain-rich and hilly regions, as well as plateau grasslands and is also found along South Africa’s Cape coast. These herbivores are water-independent and can survive prolonged periods without water. The gray rhebuck is diurnal and its diet consists of grasses, shrubs, flowers, seeds, and roots.

The herd consists of around 12-15 ewes with their young, along with a lone territorial ram.  Breeding season runs from January to April, with a 260-day gestation. Roughly a week before the birth, the ewe will leave the herd. Once the single lamb is born, the ewe will return to the herd and keep the lamb hidden, returning often to feed it. At around six weeks, the lamb will join the herd. 

They communicate through a series of hisses and groans. When attacked the male will start the fight to protect the herd, with predators including the black-backed jackal, caracals, and leopards.

The gray rhebuck is listed as near threatened by the IUCN, with illegal hunting, loss of natural habitat, and climate change all adding to this challenging situation.