Gemsbok - Oryx gazella

The Gemsbok is one of four species of Oryx, all of which prefer semi-desert/arid areas and can go for very long periods without water. It gets its name from a translation of a European goat called the Chamois, in which it shares similar facial patterns.

It is listed as ‘Least Concern’ on the IUCN Redlist and currently faces no major threats. In the past the expansion of man has limited its range. It is a favoured target for trophy hunters, and due to the fact that females have longer horns many females are mistaken for males when finding the best trophy.