These antelope may not be big in size, but their rock-hopping leaps and adaptations for survival are impressive. Isn’t it time you took a closer look at klipspringers? By Wild Card member Marli Potgieter
I understand why people tend to chase the Big Five… I mean, they are really impressive animals – big, powerful and beautiful. But what about the smaller species that wildlife lovers so often overlook?
During a recent Kruger National Park vacation, we were treated to a special sighting. It was an overcast day with the promise of rain as we set off on the S94 dirt road close to Letaba Rest Camp. We didn’t have much luck to begin with. Few animals made their appearance, the only signs of big game were some hippo and spotted hyena tracks, and our failed attempts at photographing birds added to our misfortune. I was deep in thought when, all of a sudden, the vehicle came to an abrupt halt.
Surprise, surprise
That’s when my fiancé showed me, right next to the road, two beautiful klipspringers. They were surprisingly close and didn’t seem bothered by our presence. I immediately grabbed my camera while repeatedly whispering to myself: “Please don’t run. Please don’t run.”
Pictures by Marli Potgieter
Despite watching our every move intently, the pair seemed to be quite relaxed. We turned the engine off and sat watching them without any disturbance. The female was busy foraging on leaves and grass while the male wandered around, nibbling here and there, and marking his territory on the vegetation.
A nibble or more?
The male started to follow the female around quite persistently… It was then that I realised what he was actually up to. He wanted to mate, but she didn’t care much for his antics and continued to feed. What a special sighting. We managed to spend quite some time with the two before they disappeared into the bush.
Watching these pretty and dainty antelope was just as enchanting as any big game sighting. And if you search a little further, you’ll discover klipspringers have adapted to their environment in interesting and surprising ways.
Curious klipspringer facts
The ballerina of the bush
While most ungulates [hoofed mammals] walk on their toes, the klipspringer walks on tiptoe, just like a dancer. This unique adaptation makes it easier to run on rocky terrain, thanks to the angle of the hooves. In the vertical position, the hoof’s hard rim provides grip, while the soft centre pad moulds itself to the rock.
X marks the spot
Notice those black spots in front of the eyes? Those are the preorbital glands and they release a secretion that the klipspringer uses to scent-mark its territory. To do so, the little antelope manoeuvres the tip of a twig into the gland, which coats it in a black tarry smear. Apparently it smells sickly sweet!
A flexible coat
Although the klipspringer’s coat is thick and dense, it is unusual in that the hairs are hollow. But therein lies the genius. The hollow nature makes it possible to trap a layer of air against the skin, providing ideal insulation against cold or hot weather.
Not a big drinker
Did you know that the klipspringer doesn’t need a permanent source of drinking water? In part that’s thanks to its efficient coat, which means it doesn’t have to drink water to cool down. Its kidneys are also extremely efficient and it doesn’t lose a lot of moisture through urine. In fact, it can get enough moisture from the succulent plants it eats.
Follow Marli’s adventures on her Facebook and Instagram pages.
Great post and information – many thanks
My wife and I hardly ever drive past a rocky hill without stopping to scan it for a Klipspringer. We assumed that they are solitary animals, as we usually observe one only if we spot it on the rocks. Thank you for posting these great photos.
We never saw klipspringers in Kruger till this year. On 6th June 2017 we spotted a couple of them suntanning on some boulders alongside the Biyamiti Loop (S23)
They are absolutely beautiful little creatures. Terrific pictures and such interesting information – thank you !!
Very interesting, thank you.
Lovely to read about Klipspringers. My late husband and I always used to look out for them on the kopjes around the various Kruger routes and were nearly always rewarded. I appreciate the extra information about them. Thank you.
Amazing and interesting little animal. Yet needless to say many tourists are too obsessed with the Big 5, so they mostly go right pass them without even noticing!!
I love these dainty little antelopes – they are fascinating creatures – I love the way they jump from rock to rock as if attached by magnets! Thanks – great article!!
In the Cederberg the Black Eagles hunt Klipspringers by trying to knock them off the cliff face. Klipspringers have developed a thick, but loosely attached, coat that comes away in the eagles’ claws.
I thank you too for the wonderful information and pictures of these beautiful little antelope. And i agree that they are far more special than the big 5.
I thank you too for the wonderful information and pictures of these beautiful little antelope. And i agree that they are far more special than the big 5. We always stop and search all boulders to find the Klippspringers. Once we were very fortunate to find FOUR together. Wonderful!