File:Gemsbok walking near water - DPLA - fa9144ed2e5484986170d98aa315b1c1.jpg

35 mm slide; color. Scientific Classification: Kingdom: Animalia; Phylum: Chordata; Class: Mammalia; Order: Artiodactyla; Family: Bovidae; Genus: Oryx; Genus species: Oryx gazella. Animal characteristics: Head-Body Length: 153-170 cm; Height: 120 cm; Weight: 162-200 kg; Identification: The gemsbok is fawn in color with white undersides. It has white and black face markings and a black line running down its throat and across the flanks. The tail is black, and the gemsbok has long straight horns; Habitat: Arid regions, deserts; Diet: Herbivore: dry grasses, foliage supplements; Reproduction: Gemsbok breed throughout the year. Gestation lasts 8.5 months; Social Structure: Small mixed herds of 14 individuals form during the nonbreeding times of year. When mating, one or two bulls will control a herd of 75 females and their young. Members are ranked by their age and dominant characteristics; Behavior: The gemsbok has excellent eyesight. When they are alarmed the whole herd will gallop off, twisting and turning in an attempt to avoid predators. If a gemsbok is brought to bay by a pursuer, it will turn and fight, jabbing and butting with its horns; Status: Lower risk; conservation dependent; Interesting Facts: Predators of the gemsbok include lions, spotted hyenas, and leopards.