| Steenbok | |
|---|---|
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| Male and female inEtosha N. P. | |
Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Mammalia |
| Order: | Artiodactyla |
| Family: | Bovidae |
| Subfamily: | Antilopinae |
| Genus: | Raphicerus |
| Species: | R. campestris |
| Binomial name | |
| Raphicerus campestris Thunberg, 1811 | |
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Distribution based on 1970s data[2] | |
Thesteenbok/ˈsteɪnbɒk,ˈstiːn-/[a] (Raphicerus campestris) is a common smallantelope of southern and easternAfrica. It is sometimes known as thesteinbuck orsteinbok.
Steenbok resemble smalloribi, standing 45–60 cm (16"–24") at the shoulder, and weigh 7–16 kg (15–35 lb). Theircoat 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, parallelhorns 7–19 cm (2.8–7.5 in) 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 (1.6–2.4 in) long.
There are two distinct clusters in steenbok distribution. InEast Africa, it occurs in central and southernKenya and northernTanzania. It was formerly widespread inUganda,[2] but is now almost certainly extinct there. InSouthern Africa, it occurs inAngola,Namibia,South Africa,Eswatini,Botswana,Mozambique,Zambia,Zimbabwe and probablyLesotho.
Steenbok live in a variety ofhabitats fromsemi-desert, such as the edge of theKalahari Desert andEtosha National Park, to open woodland and thickets, including openplains, stonysavannah, andAcacia–grasslandmosaics. They are said to favour unstable or transitional habitats.[5] At least in the central part ofKruger National Park, South Africa, Steenbok show a distinct preference forAcacia tortilis savannah throughout the year, with no tendency to migrate to moister areas during the dry season (unlike many larger African savannah ungulates, including speciessympatric 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]
Steenbok typicallybrowse on low-level vegetation (they cannot reach above 0.9 m[8]), but are also adept at scraping up roots and tubers. In central Kruger National Park, Steenbok show a distinct preference forforbs, and then woody plants (especiallyFlueggea virosa) when few forbs are available.[6] They will also take fruits and only very rarelygraze on grass.[6] They are almost entirely independent of drinking water, gaining the moisture they need from their food.
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]
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 ofaardvarks. Known predators includeSouthern African wildcat,caracal,jackals,leopard,martial eagle andpythons.
Steenbok are typically solitary, except for when a pair come together tomate. However, it has been suggested[5] that pairs occupy consistentterritories while living independently, staying in contact throughscent markings, so that they know where their mate is most of the time. Scent marking is primarily throughdung middens. Territories range from 4 hectares to 1 square kilometre. The male is aggressive during the female'soestrus, 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.Gestation period is about 170 days, and usually a singleprecocial 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.
Twosubspecies are recognized:R. c. campestris in Southern Africa andR. c. neumanni of East Africa; althoughMSW3 also recognizescapricornis andkelleni.[11] Up to 24 subspecies have been described from Southern Africa, distinguished on such features as coat colour.
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