Gemsbok
ExploreMammals
Gemsbok
Oryx gazella
The Gemsbok is a large antelope with long, straight horns and a beautiful tan and white coat. They are known for their amazing ability to survive in hot, dry places like the desert.
Habitat: Desert
Appearance
The Gemsbok is a large, striking antelope with a pale fawn-grey coat, a distinctive black stripe running down its flank, and bold black and white facial markings. It has long, straight, spear-like horns that can reach over a meter in length and are ridged at the base.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassMammaliaOrderArtiodactylaFamilyBovidaeGenusOryx
Category
MammalsRarity
Common
Danger
3/5 · Moderate
Snaps
Be the first to snap!
Interesting facts
Female Gemsbok can have horns that are longer than males', even though they are thinner!
Gemsbok can run very fast for an antelope, reaching speeds up to 60 kilometers per hour!
If threatened, a Gemsbok will often stand its ground and fight instead of running away!
Their horns are so strong and sharp, they have even been used by humans to make spears!
Special abilities
Ability
Desert Thriver
Gemsbok can go long periods without drinking water because they extract moisture from the plants they eat.
Ability
Horned Guardian
Gemsbok has long, sharp horns that help them bravely defend themselves, even against large predators.
Ability
Heat Shifter
Gemsbok can slightly raise their body temperature to avoid sweating, which helps them save precious water.
Measurements & details
- Length
- 190-240 cm
- Weight
- 180-240 kg
- Lifespan
- 18-20 years
- Top Speed
- 60 km/h
- Litter Size
- 1
- Gestation
- 240-270 days
Watch
Diet & Feeding
Gemsbok are tough eaters, grazing on grasses and browsing on shrubs and leaves.
Primary Foods
- grasses
- shrubs
- succulents
- wild melons
- roots
Foraging Method
- Grazing
Ecological connections
eaten by
Lion
Panthera leo
Gemsbok can be prey for adult lions.
eaten by
Spotted Hyena
Crocuta crocuta
Hyena clans hunt Gemsbok, especially younger or weaker individuals.
eaten by
African Wild Dog
Lycaon pictus
Wild dog packs can hunt and prey on Gemsbok.
Traits
Furry
Furry describes animals possessing a dense covering of soft hair or fur.
Social
Social animals live in organized groups, cooperating for survival benefits such as foraging, defense, and raising offspring.
Horned
Characterized by having one or more hard, permanent, pointed projections on the head.
Herbivorous
This trait characterizes organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of plant material.
Thermoregulating
Thermoregulating organisms maintain a stable internal body temperature despite fluctuations in the external environment.
Desert
Desert habitats are arid regions characterized by extremely low precipitation and often extreme temperatures, supporting specialized flora and fauna.
Diurnal
Diurnal animals are primarily active during daylight hours, typically resting or sleeping at night.
Keystone Species
Describes a species whose presence and role have a disproportionately large effect on its environment.
Speedster
This trait identifies organisms that exhibit exceptional swiftness in movement for hunting, escape, or travel.
Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
Collections
Safety
Danger
3/5 · Moderate
Gemsboks are wild animals. It's best to watch them from a safe distance and not try to touch or feed them.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is Gemsbok?
190-240 cm
How much does Gemsbok weigh?
180-240 kg
How long does Gemsbok live?
18-20 years
How fast can Gemsbok move?
60 km/h
What does Gemsbok eat?
Gemsbok are tough eaters, grazing on grasses and browsing on shrubs and leaves.
Where is Gemsbok usually found?
Desert
How does Gemsbok hunt?
Grazing
How many babies does Gemsbok usually have?
1
Snap Map
Zoom in to split clusters and explore where this object has been snapped.
Loading map…
Recent Snaps
Recent snaps will appear here as new observations are added.
