Pelea capreolus
The Grey Rhebok is an antelope almost endemic to South Africa, with only two small populations outside our borders, in Lesotho and Swaziland.
Often confused with the mountain reedbuck, with which it shares its mountainous habitat, the grey rhebok differs in having a duller coat and overall more slender appearance. The horns of the rams are straight, not curved as in those of the mountain reedbuck. Grey rhebok stand up to 80cm high at the shoulder and weigh on average around 20kg.
Grey rhebok are mixed feeders, taking both grass and browse depending on the season. Unlike mountain reedbuck they are not dependant on drinking water. Rams are territorial and surprisingly aggressive, being known to have killed rival males and even sheep, goats, mountain reedbuck and dogs traversing their areas. Small herds consisting of females and their young often remain within the territory of the same ram for considerable periods of time. Most lambs are born in the wet, warm, summer months. Grey rhebok are extremely fleet-footed and agile and yet they do fall prey to predators ranging from eagles and jackals to leopards. Their life expectancy is only 8 to 10 years.
The IUCN considers the grey rhebok to be safe, with a population of between 10,000 and 18,000 in Southern Africa, with up to 3,000 occurring in the uKhahlamba Drakensberg Park alone. We’ve also seen them at Karoo and Mountain Zebra National Parks, but we’ve had our best sightings at Golden Gate Highlands National Park.
Pingback: Exploring Golden Gate | de Wets Wild
Pingback: Waterbuck | de Wets Wild
Such beautiful creatures! Lovely photos. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Sylvia!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Weereens baie interessante inligting.Ek hou veral van jou eerste foto.Enige wilde dier kan gevaarlik wees..selfs die kleine steenbokkie kan mens dodelik gaffel met sy skerp horings.
LikeLike
Dit is so Dina. Mens moet nooit vergeet dat hulle wild is en n wil het om te bly lewe nie!
LikeLike
Great pictures and information. Will try and spot one when I make it to Golden Gate sometime.
LikeLike
Be sure to take a drive on Golden Gate’s loop roads just after sunrise Mia!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hul het sulke reguit horings. Hul sal sekerlik goed seermaak as hul met geweld besig is
LikeLike
Ek dink nie hulle gee maklik oor nie!
LikeLike
Veral as dit paartyd is!
LikeLiked by 1 person
beautiful animals, beautiful photos
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you MK!
LikeLike
Handsome creature! Love the first and last captures!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Amy!
LikeLike
Die mannetjies klink nogals na ‘n rowwe spulletjie, dat hulle sowaar ander bokke ore aansit.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Mens dink mos maar altyd aan bokkies as sagte, skadelose goedjies ne!
LikeLike
Thank you for the wonderful pictures.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for visiting with us Sarah. You’re welcome here any time!
LikeLike
Lovely
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you!
LikeLike