Warthog
(Latin = Phacochoerusaethiopicus, Afrikaans =Vlakvark, German =Warzenschwein)

(Latin = Phacochoerusaethiopicus, Afrikaans =Vlakvark, German =Warzenschwein)

Numbers: Very high
Weight: 44 - 104 kg (and more) (97 - 229lb.)
Shoulder height: 60 - 75 cm (24 - 28 in.)

Found abundantly in the Bushveld, the warmest (northern) parts of the Northern Province, especially the Limpopo valley, as well as in the Lowveld areas of Mpumalanga, and in the north eastern part of KwaZulu-Natal. This is one of the daytime wanderers, often seen in the open savanna, preferably not too far from the waterholes. It feeds on grass, but also likes meat,fruits, or digging out plants for its watery roots. It sometimes goes into a kneeling position to eat. It isn't as hairy as the bushpig, but its colour may vary, depending upon which waterhole was the last to have a mud bath in. Very, very typical, is the straight upright tail, as an antenna, when it is running. Maybe it serves as a checkpoint to the smaller ones if a sudden flight is necessary. They pose much the same danger to a hunter as does the bushpig, although they might be somewhat more oblige to move away. They form family groups that sticks together, although older bears would be alone. They hear and smell good, but doesn't see all that sharp. They may easily hide in an antbear's hole, but will move in in reverse, so that a pursuing dog will have a nightmare to escape its incredibly dangerous tusks. They can run very fast (some say at 55km/h).bTheir usual enemies, like the lion, leopards, cheetahs and wild dogs all have some respect for its vicious and able power to defend himself.

White Rhinoceros
(Latin = Ceratotherium simum, Afrikaans =Witrenoster, German = Weisses nashorn)

(Latin = Ceratotherium simum, Afrikaans =Witrenoster, German = Weisses nashorn)

Numbers: Fairly low
Weight: 1400 - 2300 (3080 - 5060lb.)
Shoulder height: 180 cm (72 in.)

Found in the Kruger National Park (and some surrounding parks), at game parks in the northeastern area of KwaZulu-Natal, at some game farms in the North West Province, in more and more game farms in the Northern Province. Much more relaxed than the black rhino, this prehistoric figure is, in own right, a massive animal. This square lipped rhino is, with the hippopotamus, next in line of size in the mammal world after the elephant. Although it shares the bad eyesight and receptive hearing with the black rhino, it doesn't share its bad temper. Tourists can dare to come a little closer to this one without having as much to fear. Seeing this rhino run (usually, if not too much disturbed, in small circles), is a brilliant, almost slow motion feast for the eye. A rhino can consume up to 100 kg of grass a day. It's awkward horns can grow way over 60 inches, but this is also, in many instances,the sought-after item which illegal hunters try to obtain. This have caused the unplanned death of many rhinos.After the shock of 1920 (there was only 20 of these creatures left in the country) its numbers today have recovered to the extend that it's future seems to be well-guaranteed.

Wild dog
(Latin = Lycaon pictus, Afrikaans = Wildehond, German = Hyaenenhund )

(Latin = Lycaon pictus, Afrikaans = Wildehond, German = Hyaenenhund )

Numbers: Very low
Weight: 26 - 28kg (57 - 62 lb.)
Shoulder height: 60 - 78 cm (24 - 31 in.)

Found only in the Kruger National Park and directly neighbouring Parks. Like the wolf of Europe, this one is a pack-animal : they will live, hunt and breed in packs of up to forty animals. Known for its very gruesome hunting style of chasing and chasing and chasing animals which, on a short sprint, would easily outstrip the wild dog, they take turns to do the direct chase, often tearing parts of the body out of the poor victim. In the end, the exhausted prey would stop to defend itself. By sheer numbers they will attack from too many sides to defend. In this non-stop action of blood and dust, the wild dogs will tear apart a living animal! The wild dogs never stays long in the same area and may chase an entire herd of wild animal out of its territory in a short period of time. They might even attack a human being, although a unfamiliar reaction from their prey may prevent a tragedy. Their pups are raised by the whole pack, usually in good shelters like antbear holes where the pack will regurgitate to let the pups eat partially digested food. Both because of their vicious influence on other animals, as well as their very characteristic odour, tracking of these packs of wild dogs have been very successful performed by many an old hunter, which explains in part their low numbers. Other reasons for its endangered status is their vulnerability to sickness, and the strange behavior of some females to kill other mother's puppies.

Side-striped jackal
(Latin = Canis adustus, Afrikaans = Witkwas jakkals, German = Streifens Chakal)

(Latin = Canis adustus, Afrikaans = Witkwas jakkals, German = Streifens Chakal)

Numbers: Very low
Weight: 7 - 12kg (15 - 26 lb.)
Shoulder height: 38 cm (15 in.)

Found only in the eastern Lowveld of Mpumaplanga, eastern Swaziland and the coastal regions of northeast Kwazulu-Natal.

This biggest of all the jackals is endangered because of it's lack of wariness (although it may be very timid), it's rather slowness and because of its skin and, especially, it's beautiful tail. Although rarely seen, it can interbreed with a domestic dog. It's white tail tip is often the best identification clue. It surprises its prey by pouncing on it to make up for its lack of printing speed. Small animals, birds or scavenging carcasses, for which it will risk being spotted by a would-be enemy, provides its main diet.

Spotted Hyena
(Latin = Crocuta crocuta, Afrikaans = Gevlekte Hiëna, German = Gefleckte Hyäne)

(Latin = Crocuta crocuta, Afrikaans = Gevlekte Hiena, German = Gefleckte Hyene)

Numbers: Fairly high
Weight: 49 - 80kg (108 - 176 lb.)
Shoulder height: 80m (32.)

Found in warmer areas, such as the north and north eastern parts of the Northern Province and Mpumalanga, especially in the Limpopo valley and in the whole of the Lowveld, as well as in the most northern areas of the Kalahari-areas of the North Cape, and in a patch of the far north-eastern midland in KwaZulu-Natal, much the same territory of the hyena's biggest enemy, the Lion.

This much underestimated animal was previously considered to be the ash-tray of the bush, sharing the cleaning up job with the jackals and vultures of the bush. By it's shadowy and uneven profile, it's awkward gallop, it's cowardly challenge-change-to-flight habit (in case of a lion's attention), it's hysterical laughter and association with second hand corpses, the spotted hyenas is portrayed by many as the maniac of the African field. Only later did it came to light that the spotted hyenas hunt just as much, and often even more, as the lions do. Lions will even wait for the hyenas to do the killing, after which they will move in and take the free meal by fear and force from the hyenas. The whining of hungry hyenas waiting impatiently for the irritated lions to finish their meal, is one of the most interesting settings a tourist can wish to encounter. As the lions are eating, the number of vultures, foxes and hyenas will grow, making for one of those very tense and noisy situations where nerve and danger are stretched to the limit. Sometimes, by sheer power in numbers, the hyenas will challenge the lions for a portion of the meal, hastily assembled by the hyenas gruesome jaws. It may even attack a lion from the back, where the dual between the hyena's jaw and the lion's paw usually, but not always, ends in favour of the paw. Beware of this prowling creature, for when any prey, which may include sleeping people or wandering children, are without protection, the hyena might launch an unexpected attack.

Serval
(Latin = Felis serval, Afrikaans = Tierboskat, German = Serval)

(Latin = Felis serval, Afrikaans = Tierboskat, German = Serval)

Numbers: Low
Weight: 8 - 14kg (18 - 31lb.)
Shoulder height: 55- 60 cm (22 - 24 in.)
Pregnancy time: 68 - 72 days
Cub quantity: Up to 3

Found all along the eastern parts of the country, especially in the eastern Northern Province, Mpumalanga and the north eastern and central KwaZulu-Natal. It isn’t found in Swaziland. It is also not found in the south eastern parts of KwaZulu-Natal. It is found in the north eastern coastal area of the Eastern Province. But it's not found in any central, southern or western part of South Africa.

The serval is a slender and sleek, beautiful cat. It is at the same time spotted, striped and barred, big eared and with a dark and light yellow skin. It is standing high on it's feet for it's weight. The serval is a shy, very seldom spotted cat and it's declining numbers are a worrying factor. He's diet is somewhat strange, ranging from fish and insects, to birds and small mammals.

Caracal
(Latin = Felis caracal, Afrikaans = Rooikat, German = Karakal)

(Latin = Felis caracal, Afrikaans = Rooikat, German = Karakal)

Numbers: Fairly high
Weight: 8 - 20kg (18 - 44 lb.)
Shoulder height: 40 - 45 cm (16 / 18 in.)
Pregnancy time : 65 + days
Cub quantity: Up to 5

Found everywhere in South Africa, except in the most northern coastal area of the Atlantic Ocean (in the North Cape Province) and the most northern coastalarea of the Indian Ocean (in the KwaZulu-Natal Province). It is also not found in the eastern parts of KwaZulu-Natal.

The Caracal isn't a big cat but looks can be deceiving, for this little cat have been reported killing a full grown impala! Of course that isn't his usual behavior. But hunting dogs of twice the size of the caracal have met their end when trying to take it on in a direct fight. His lightning claws are used to overpowered his prey. He shares with the leopard the art of ambush and stalk. His characteristic ears, with it's long antenna-like patch of black hair growing from the back ear upwards, identifies him strongly as a very beautiful and unique creature. The caracal isn't usually found in the same surroundings as the bigger cats or hyena. In some areas the caracal is named in the same league as the jackal as a sheep and goat killing pestilence, but it is pretty satisfied with a diet of monkeys, large birds, snakes or, naturally, defenseless fawns of antelopes or young baboons. It sometimes change a diet of fauna for a more floral one like wild fruit.

Lion
(Latin = Panthera leo, Afrikaans = Leeu, German = Löwe)

(Latin = Panthera leo, Afrikaans = Leeu, German = Lauwe)

Numbers: Fairly high
Weight: 238kg (524 lb.)
Shoulder height: 125 cm (50 in.)
Pregnancy time: 110 days
Cub quantity: Up to 6

Found in warmer areas, such as the north and north eastern parts of the Northern Province and Mpumalanga, especially in the Limpopo valley and in the whole of the Lowveld, as well as in the most northern areas of the Kalahari-areas of the North Cape, and in a patch of the far north-eastern midland in KwaZulu-Natal.

The unchallenged king of them all, the great African Lion, is, to many tourists coming to South Africa, the highlight of their African safari. This brute's roar will fill an evening around the open campfire with shivering and fear, having people check the fence and help to change any subject back to the safari essentials. The most beautiful full-grown male is spectacular in any man's language. However, this fellow will keep his mighty energies to himself when the hunt is on, which takes place during the night: the lionesses take initiative for this terrible, and at the same time awesome event that takes place every few days in a pride's feeding routine. When they're off for the hunt, no animal in the jungle can sleep peacefully (lions are on record for killing small elephants!) If the kill produces a giraffe, there's no hunt for a fortnight; if the catch is small, the lionesses may see their hard-earned meal being taken by the male. But when danger looms; for example a very large group of hyenas confronting one or two females at a catch the mere entrance of the male will make the hyenas scatter in all directions. And woe to the hyena who pressures his or her luck to far! A pride of lions may consist of up to thirty animals, and this corporate nature of a pack of lions are best illustrated in their hunting tactics, moving in a well synchronized manner when preparing for their bloody midnight meals. In all the world, only the tiger of Asia can be compared to the massive strength and awe of this royal creature.

Leopard
(Latin = Pantera pardus, Afrikaans = Luiperd, German = Leopard)

(Latin = Pantera pardus, Afrikaans = Luiperd, German = Leopard)

Numbers: Fairly high
Weight: 30 - 71kg (66 - 156 lb.)
Shoulder height: 70 - 80 cm (28 - 32 in.)
Pregnancy time: 100 days
Cub quantity: Up to 6

Found all over the Northern Province, North West Province and in Mpumalanga, except in the southern parts of the last two provinces mentioned. Also seen in the north of Swaziland, the north eastern coastal, the North Cape Kalahari and west coast, as well as all the coastal areas of the Western and Eastern Cape, except for some areas in the far north east.

One of the much praised big five, this cat may be more than you've expected to encounter. The Leopard is everything you want it to be, and much more : being a animal of the night, it sometimes surprises the tourist by showing his very strong body in broad daylight. This muscular beast is one of the animals able to move a weight which exceeds it's own body weight by far and then takes it as if it's nothing high up in a giant tree in the bushveld. It is a animal that have learned to survive where other became extinct in a vast area of the South African wilderness. In spite of it's beautiful and brilliant camouflaging coat, which have made him a prized trophy, the leopard's numbers is still fairly high. It's a privilege to be able to take a good photograph or shot at this creature, because of his stealthy and superlative phantom ways. Once wounded, the leopard turns into the single most dangerous and unpredictable beast that anyone in the wild can encounter. It have, more than once,ambushed and killed very well equipped hunters. It's a job better left to the absolute professional hunter alone. Many of them, just because of their professionalism, would not take on such an enterprise! He may disturb a large group of sleeping baboons at night for one of the most daring challenges: to make a midnight meal of one of them, knowing that they have the tendency to protect one another. This most incredible cat means power, power, power!

Cheetah
(Latin = Acinonyx jubatus, Afrikaans = Jagluiperd, German = Gepard)

(Latin = Acinonyx jubatus, Afrikaans = Jagluiperd, German = Gepard)

Numbers: Low
Weight: 36 - 60kg (79 - 132 lb.)
Shoulder height: 80 cm (32 in.)
Pregnancy time: 90 days +
Cub quantity: Up to 6

Found only in the warmest areas, such as the bushveld (north western and northernparts) of the Northern Province and in Mpumalanga, especially in the Limpopo valley and in the whole of the Lowveld, as well as in the upper Kalahari-areas of the North Cape.

This one's 0 - 100 km/h time will shame those Ferrari's, Porches and Lamborgini's. Being the fastest animal on the planet, it has done it's share to ensure that the mighty cat family is unchallenged as the most awesome species sharing the same turf as us humans. The cheetah is a very calculated hunter: over an vast area of plain savanna filled with grazing antelope,it will pierce from behind a dense cover of long grass or from a welcome bush in between. Once it has selected it's victim, it doesn't have space for second thoughts about easier prey : it seems as if the cheetah have focal lenses fixed at a narrow angle on the poor antelope it's heading for. It will take a calculated charge, changing into longer and longer strides toward it's prey, until the prey is fleeing in a somewhat isolating direction. Then, with a burst of power flowing from the very long back feet, the cheetah will gear back and accelerate with a bang to which no other creature can compare, clearing an astonishing amount of meters with each stride, catching the nippiest antelope within seconds. With unbelievable acrobatics (at that speeds!), the prey's dodging is overridden in a dust cloud where a very fast tightening move of the victim's throat takes place. Then it simply waits until the body of the captured animal slowly becomes lifeless at the powerful grip of the cheetah's mouth. Incredible as it may sound, but this gruesome wonder itself was born as a helpless, blind bundle of vulnerability to whom even an eagle could pose a deadly threat. An most rare subspecies is distinguished (some would say their numbers are too low to speak of a real sub specimen), namely the most beautiful king cheetah, that have a more striped coating than the familiar spots of the common cheetah.

Blue Wildebeest
(Latin = Connochaetus taurinus, Afrikaans = Blouwildebees, German = Streifengnu/Weissbartgnu)

(Latin = Connochaetus taurinus, Afrikaans = Blouwildebees, German = Streifengnu/Weissbartgnu)

Numbers: High
Weight: 180 - 270kg (396 - 594 lb.)
Shoulder height: 135 - 150 cm (54 - 60 in.)
Females horns: Yes

Found in warmer areas, such as the northern parts of the Northern Province and Mpumalanga, especially in the Limpopo valley and in the whole of the Lowveld, as well as in all the Kalahari-areas of the North Cape, extending almost into the Free State, and in a patch of the far north-eastern midland in KwaZulu-Natal.

This animal is often used as a symbol of the out of Africa experience, especially when the total strangeness, open spaces and wilder migrational animal behaviour is portrait. South Africa don't have as many wildebeests migrating as is sometimes seen in a few African states, but still numbers an abundance of blue wildebeests to be enjoyed in a enviable variety of scenic African settings. They love to move in search of water and better savanna graze. Particularly the calves are falling prey to a vast variety of carnivores, because they share the same geographical surroundings as the most vicious of animal-eaters. So, with the goodness of the early rainy season (coming from late September/October), the springtime and the newborn fawns, also comes some of the most devastating fighting seen in the bush : a mother, fighting of hyenas, wild dogs or even the great cats in defense of her little one, sometimes sacrificing herself in the brawl. Her back secured in a thorn bush, her knees dropped to the ground, her calve between the legs, she will snortingly face her ordeal. But often, she's given a opening and, falling for the trick, she'll realize too late that the calve can't outdistance the enemy and the day would belong to the carnivores. The bulls can be even more fierce, and when wounded, no hunter or lion can be off guard for once tiny moment, for he's able to end a party by his typical snorting, charging, and, sometimes, goring sweep, which will leave any hospital way too far off.

Black Wildebeest
(Latin = Connochaetus gnou, Afrikaans = Swartwildebees, German = Weissschwanzgnu)

(Latin = Connochaetus gnou, Afrikaans = Swartwildebees, German = Weissschwanzgnu)

Numbers: Fairly low
Weight: 60 - 160kg (198 - 352 lb.)
Shoulder height: 120 cm (48in.)
Females horns: Yes

Found mainly in the Free State, overflowing only a little bit to the west and north of the Free State.

Here we have the natural joker of the South African animal scene! Pretty of sheer ugliness, this horse-cum-bull-cum-athlete of the fields just can't be content with a lazy African scene. Either their heads have to be going up and down, up and down, or their bodies have to be circled around and around, while whirling their long, hairy tails to and fro or their hooves have to be kicking-wayward all the time. If that's not enough helping to fade away the energy, running at top speed in wide, wide circles, as if in pursuit of something (or flying from something) is the way to go for the black wildebeest,just to return and starting the joker-like behavior all over again. Their racing reminds of a horse race scene with corresponding tails in the wind and bundling together at maximum speed ; which, incidentally, may even exceed that of the Old Turf Club's betting arena. Just as much, a black wildebeest, jokingly playful most of the time, may suddenly be ignited in fury. Then it's a bullish beast that may run havoc in the tribe, killing young ones without any discrimination, or ostriches, horses and, of course people (if they would dare to be in the way). Found only in South Africa, it became almost extinct in the nineteenth century, but saved in the twentieth, thanks to concerned farmers and conservationists jointly.

Waterbuck
(Latin = Kobus ellipsiprymnus, Afrikaans = Waterbok - sometimes called “Kringgat”-, German = Ellipsenwasserbock)

(Latin = Kobus ellipsiprymnus, Afrikaans = Waterbok - sometimes called Kringgat, German = Ellipsen wasserbock)

Numbers: Fairly low
Weight: 204 - 270kg (448 - 594 lb.)
Shoulder height: 125 cm (50in.)

Found in the warmest (northern) parts of the Northern Province, especially the Limpopo valley, as well as in the Lowveld areas of Mpumalanga, as well as in a part of central to north east KwaZulu-Natal.

The name of the buck is right on track, being a lover of the waterholes, riverbeds and vlei. And yet, the waterbuck isn't afraid to wander far off from any water. It is sometimes found in hills or steep climbs with no water nearby at all. This massive animal is a beautiful, graceful antelope, with a very distinct white circle around the back rump. An unpleasant smell (to man) accompanies the waterbuck which stems forms glands in the animal's skin. When a hunter hunt to use it's meat, care has to be taken not to slice these glands. Although big, the waterbuck is good at camouflaging itself from intruders. In case of a too close encounter, it will crash out of hiding and make one of the noisiest sprints of all the animals. It is comfortable in water and uses this sometimes as a last resort when pursued by carnivores. Then it will fight viciously with it's very sharp horns and forehead. It can be surprisingly robust and photographers and hunters should take some care not to corner the animal, because it will not hesitate to attack a man or women, all the more when it is wounded.

Red Hartebeest
(Latin = Alcelaphus buselaphus, Afrikaans = Rooihartbees, German = Kaama)

(Latin = Alcelaphus buselaphus, Afrikaans = Rooihartbees, German = Kaama)

Numbers: Fairly high
Weight: 105 - 182kg (231 - 400 lb.)
Shoulder height: 125 cm (50in.)
Females horns: Yes

Found indigenously only in the North Cape Province in the Kalahari sand and grasslands (just touching the south western North West Province as well). It should be obvious that the Red hartebeest doesn't depend as much on water as other antelopes, for life in the Kalahari plains and dunes are harsh and extreme. They do have a feel for water, though. Not only do they dig out watery roots and vegetation, they also wander in the open (mostly dry) floodplains and vleilands in search for moist, and when they sense that rain have come down somewhere, even far away, they will migrate in their hundreds. When they found water (or when the rain comes down), they will be joyfully energized by it. Like the tsessebe, they are exceptional sprinters and should be caught really of guard not to outrun the most other animals. The only time the red hartebeest needs shelter, is when it search a hiding place for its newborns. The calves does have the same colour as the Kalahari sand, but this natural camouflage isn't always enough to keep all the carnivores at bay. Although the females also have a pair of the double twisted horns, the males's horns are heavier. This big long-faced animal is extremely inquisitive and will, even at its own cost, first stare at a newcomer though it might be danger lurking before bewilderment takes over. Then, for a moment,the herd will circle nervously before they decide on a direction of escape escape. Once on their way, their awesome speed is combined with a side-stepping and bouncing action which indeed makes for difficult catching up.

Bontebok
(Latin = Damaliscus dorcas dorcas, Afrikaans = Bontebok, German = Buntbock)

(Latin = Damaliscus dorcas dorcas, Afrikaans = Bontebok, German = Buntbock)

Numbers: Low
Weight: 50 - 64 kg (110 - 141 lb.)
Shoulder height: 90 cm (36 in.)
Females horns: Yes

Found only in a southern part of the Western Cape. This is a downright beautiful antelope with his very rich purple-black and brown skin contrasting sharply with the cleanest of white feet, rump, tail base and face. This once almost extinct antelope of South Africa is now somewhat safer in numbers, although still not found in abundance. It is of much the same family tree as the blesbok (and could interbreed successfully with it, although prohibited by law). Why the Bontebok had choose to ‚isolate itself‚ from the Blesbok (many, many centuries earlier) and reside in the Western Cape only, is an unanswered question, but the resemblance with the Blesbok is obvious. And yet, the Bontebok has it's own distinct identity and is smaller than the Blesbok.

Blesbok
(Latin = Damaliscus dorcas phillipsi, Afrikaans = Blesbok, German = Blessbock)

(Latin = Damaliscus dorcas phillipsi, Afrikaans = Blesbok, German = Blessbock)

Numbers: High
Weight: 60 - 82kg (132 - 180 lb.)
Shoulder height: 95 cm (38 in.)
Females horns: Yes

Found in central South Africa, the highveld areas and thus not abundant in the Northern Province, KwaZulu-Natal and the Western Cape, but everywhere else it's fairly common, especially in the Free State.

Three of the medium to bigger antelopes in South Africa is indigenously found in this country alone: the blesbok, the bontebok and the black wildebeest. Blesbok‚ original Afrikaans meaning is glowing buck, derived from the white face which strongly contrasts to the dark brown and black of the rest of the body. Today, the northern bushveld is home to many blesboks, as is the rest of the country, but at first the blesbok would mostly be found in die grasslands of the highveld. The blesbok doesn't insist on shelter or trees in his habitat. They are harsh on any misbehavior of their territorial boundaries and will, especially if it's mating time, be more than willing to give challenge to opponents or to become a upright flanter of the nearby females. This includes stamping his feet and snorting to the males with his head held high and then pointing his horns backward again and pulling his tail upward towards the females. They does sometimes‚ even if only another one has come too close - kill each other in a fight to the end if a challenger persist.

Tsesebe
(Latin = Damaliscus lunatus, Afrikaans = Basterhartbees, German = Halbmondantilope)

(Latin = Damaliscus lunatus, Afrikaans = Basterhartbees, German = Halbmondantilope)

Numbers: Fairly Low
Weight: > 120 - 150 kg / 264 - 330 lb.
Shoulder height: > 120 cm / 48 in.
Females horns? Yes

Found only in the warmest northern parts of the Northern Province and Mpumalanga, especially in the Limpopo valley and in the Lowveld.

The tsesebe's numbers was, a few years ago, reason for grave concern, but are today on the increase, mostly due to some resettlement in the Bushveld areas of the Northern Province. The inquisitive tsesebe has, in the case of hunting - the weakness to take flight for a short distance if disturbed, only to stop and look back at the danger. This usually presents an ideal chance for the hunter. It may be due to the fact that the tsesebe don't have to fear that many animals could catch it from behind. This antelope competes with the cheetah for the prized honour of being the fastest mammal in Africa and is maybe just outdone in the trick. The tsesebe keeps in groups which can sometimes number quite high. An open savanna field with a fair amount of trees will do just great for their stay, thank you. The family group is led by a pride but dominating bull, which can go some length to intimidate any possible challenge from his pears. He'll easily drop to his knees and work the soil in front of him with his horns as an intimidating rite to his would-be opponents. Some people consider it to be simply an ugly antelope. It is, maybe, nowhere near to be seen if prizes were given for grandieur and beauty. Yet, it is a beautiful part of the South African antelope variety with its muscular shades of black, redbrown and grey colours, wide horns and long, black faces.

Grey Rhebok
(Latin = Pelea capreolus, Afrikaans = Vaalribbok, German = Rehbock)

(Latin = Pelea capreolus, Afrikaans = Vaalribbok, German = Rehbock)

Numbers: Fairly High
Weight: 18 - 25 kg (40 - 55 lb)
Shoulder height: 75 cm (30 in.)
Females horns: No

Found especially in the Western Cape (except in some parts of the west coast),in the central and southernparts ofthe Northern Province, Gauteng and Mpumalanga (the Highveld), as well as in the western part of Swaziland, the mountainous west part of KwaZulu-Natal, the whole of Lesotho, including north east, east and south Free State and everywhere in the Eastern Cape.

As the Afrikaans names indicate, the Grey rhebok closely resembles the Mountain reedbuck and is often confused with it. This happens all the more because both enjoys mountainous areas, although the Grey rhebok prefers higher altitudes than does the Mountain reedbuck. The Grey rhebok easily gets nervous if intrusion takes place and will react aggressively, even if it means attacking and killing other antelopes, such as the mountain reedbuck (or goats, even sheep). If it is approached, it will bounds off to a place less reachable by intruders, usually somewhere up higher. The Grey rhebok is slender, with a sleek neck and remarkably long, thin ears. It has thinner and straighter horns than does the Mountain reedbuckIn the mating play, the rams will utter a deep, bass sound to try to influence the spell. It is a delight to see this animals jump to safety in steep territory.

Reedbuck
(Latin = Redunca arundinum , Afrikaans = Rietbok, German = Grossriedbock)

(Latin = Redunca arundinum , Afrikaans = Rietbok, German = Grossriedbock)

Numbers: Fairly Low
Weight: 40 - 80 kg (88 - 176 lb)
Shoulder height: 80 -90 cm (32 - 36 in.)
Females horns: No

Found in the central and eastern parts of the Northern Province and Mpumalanga, including the warmer Kruger National Park, as well as in the whole of Swaziland, the mountainous tip of north east Free State, mountainous tip of east Lesotho, the whole of KwaZulu-Natal,and in the eastern highlands and coastal areas of the northern Eastern Cape.

Much more at ease in the lower and especially wet areas, while still quite well equipped for the highlands, is the Reedbuck. The female will hide her newborns in a soft bed between the reeds of a riverbed or vleiland with ample vegetation. She will confuse an intruder by secretly steering away from her fawn and even gliding into the water if the density of cover is failing her. Sometimes a reedbuck simply seems to have disappeared, while in fact it is hiding between the reed or floating debris, with only the nostrils above the surface. Not all the bulls are so subtle, though. They will more readily (and magnificently) crack open the reeds in awesome speed, bounding out of danger while having a kick or two just in case a lion tries to pursue in this terrain where the reedbuck is much more at home. Somewhat of an enigma is a low frequency sound which comes with every bound as it crashes through the reeds, but this do enhance the beauty of this flight!

Mountain Reedbuck
(Latin = Redunca fulvorufula , Afrikaans = Rooiribbok, German = Bergriedbock)

(Latin = Redunca fulvorufula , Afrikaans = Rooiribbok, German = Bergriedbock)

Numbers: Fairly High
Weight: 22 - 38 kg (48 - 84 lb)
Shoulder height: 75 cm (30 in.)
Females horns: No

Found in the central and eastern parts of the Northern Province and Mpumalanga, especially the escarpment, avoiding the warmest parts, as well as in east Swaziland, mountainous east Free State, the whole of Lesotho and KwaZulu-Natal,and in the eastern highlands of the Eastern Cape.

Although it is related to the bigger Reedbuck, it is much smaller and very specifically a wanderer of the rocky hills, small mountainous slopes and uneven mountainside where some shelter or mountain bush can be found. The ridged horns ends in smooth, forward bended tips. They move around somewhat to secure both safe grazing in the slopes and having their time at the waterholes before dark. The head of the herd will oppose potential competition, driving away his matured opponents with sounds of whistle and cry, if not with more force. They aren't spotted too often in mid day and won't hesitate to move far off if disturbed, covering a climb that took man half a day in just a few shift seconds!

Red Duiker
(Latin = Cephalophus natalensis, Afrikaans = Rooi duiker, German = Rotducker)

(Latin = Cephalophus natalensis, Afrikaans = Rooi duiker, German = Rotducker)

Numbers: Low
Weight: 11 - 14kg (24 - 31 lb.)
Shoulder height: 43 cm (17 in.)
Females horns: Yes

The red duiker are found only along the southern escarpment and Lowveld area of east Mpumalanga, in a small patch of central (slightly north) Northern Province, but mostly in the north coast area of KwaZulu-Natal.

The distinct little red antelope is not spotted often, for both in numbers and in boldness it won't score high. Shaded in the colours of the sunset, the red duiker much prefers the thick bush and mountain or forest areas and river-beds. Under the shades, it will find itself a way where others aren't even aware of any moving space. Going solo for most of the year, it will in the mating season temporarily be seen in pairs. Then, aromatic body fluids (mostly from glands near the eyes or the nose) will play its part in the teaming up game. The red duiker lives in areas that are stuffed with wild fruits, and makes ample use of this in its diet. The red duiker is smaller than the common duiker and very wary of intrusion. It takes a lot of seeking before this one will be found, and, long before the cameras will click, only the echo of it's sharp squeak will be noticed. For by then this one will already be much, much deeper in a dark tunnel of forest thickness.

Oribi
(Latin = Ourebia ourebi , Afrikaans = Oorbietjie, German = Bleichböcken)

(Latin = Ourebia ourebi , Afrikaans = Oorbietjie, German = Bleichbucken)

Numbers: Low
Weight: 10 - 17 kg (22 - 37 lb)
Shoulder height: 59 cm (24 in.)
Females horns: No

Found in the central and eastern parts of Mpumalanga, north-western and southern KwaZulu-Natal, around the south-eastern parts of Lesotho, and in the most eastern parts (and in a small coastal area) of the Eastern Cape Province.

The Oribi, just as the steenbok, prefers open country, but can handle highland area better than the steenbok. It has a fairly high white rump with a distinct black tail with a long neck (and is slingtly larger than the steenbok). It feels comfortable when there's patches of grass or bush nearby to hide in, or otherwise it will make a squatting sound. If danger lurks too close, it will take off at a dazzling speed with an alarmed squeak. It will soon, however show itself by jumping in the air at high speed to improve it's view. In combination to it's habit of stopping and looking back, hunters have often take advantage of this halt. This can be seen in their numbers today.

Steenbok
(Latin = Raphicerus campetris , Afrikaans = Steenbok, German = Steinantilope)

(Latin = Raphicerus campetris , Afrikaans = Steenbok, German = Steinantilope)

Numbers: High
Weight: 9 - 14 kg (20 - 31 lb)
Shoulder height: 52 cm (21 in.)
Females horns: No

Found everywhere in South Africa, except in the coastal areas of KwaZulu-Natal.

The open fields for this little survivor, please. When almost all other antelope was forced into specified areas in the country by hunters, animal enemies and development, this fellow wasn't to be taken out with the others and sticked to its ground. In the Bushveld and Lowveld, the steenbok numbers takes second place only to the Rooibok. It takes shelter easily in a small bush or long grass and isn't found in mountainous or forest areas. Being a loner, it has helped to keep most of them out of danger. The steenbok male and female only meets in mating season. Then they choose their solo wandering ways again. Although the steenbok is standing only half a meter high, it can out sprint most carnivores. All the steenbok thus uses when threatened, is to hide in the nearest cover, waiting for danger to pass, and if it doesn't, it will react with breathtaking speed.

Suni
(Latin = Neotragus moschatus , Afrikaans = Soenie, German = Moschuböcken)

(Latin = Neotragus moschatus , Afrikaans = Soenie, German = Moschubucken)

Numbers: Very low
Weight: 4 - 6 kg (9 - 13 lb)
Shoulder height: 35 cm (14 in.)

Found only at the northern tip of the Kruger National Park and the most northeastern and coastal areas of KwaZulu-Natal.

This very rare little antelope is, because of it's low numbers, under extreme strict protection. It usually prefers a dense bush above the dryer field lands, but has the habit of sticking to the same territory and bush ways, with the result that it easily falls prey to anyone who knows it's area. The suni's enemies further have the advantage of a very specific musk-like scent which is the result of secretion that flows out of the glands under the eyes (and which is believe to be used to mark it's territory). The suni will stand motionless when it becomes aware of danger, which does favour the enemy. However, when the Suni realize that the danger it drawing too close, it will take off in flight. The female is a bit heavier that the male (as in many of the very small antelopes cases).

Springbok
(Latin = Antidorcas marsupialis , Afrikaans = Springbok, German = Springbock)

(Latin = Antidorcas marsupialis , Afrikaans = Springbok, German = Springbock)

Numbers: High
Weight: 30 - 48 kg (66 - 106 lb)
Shoulder height: 75 cm (30 in.)
Females horns: Yes

Found in the whole central and western midland of South Africa, the more dry countryside of the wide open horizon even up to the west coast of the North Cape Province.

This beautiful antelope wasn't chosen without reason to be the most well-known symbol of the South African sportsmen and women. In the nineteenth century, this antelope roamed the plain lands of the South African Karoo, Highveld and Kalahari sand dunes in their millions. Their massive migrations is still well documented : for many a traveler the most spectacular sight of his of her life (a sight which could cover an area of up to forty miles!) Today, although their numbers have dropped enormously, it is still found abundantly. The abundance of white colour that the springbok feature together with the dark, almost black shading, mixed with the light brown skin, the pair of horns which together almost forms a heart shaped figure and the typical black stripe which connects the eyes to the nose, gives the springbok a most definite identity in the family of antelopes. And yet, none of that features could compare when this buck was first named : this antelope can, both in play and in flight, perform such a striking gymnastic jump, that it earned him the name as the jumping buck, the Springbok. From a standstill, or while in running, he suddenly takes of almost right into the air, hanging for a second in mid-air as if in slow motion, before shooting forward again with lightning speed. It's a typical South African gem to appreciate!

Roan
(Latin = Hippotragus eguinus , Afrikaans = Bastergemsbok, German = Pferdeantilope)

(Latin = Hippotragus eguinus , Afrikaans = Bastergemsbok, German = Pferdeantilope)

Numbers: Low
Weight: 227 - 272 kg (500 - 600 lb)
Shoulder height: 140 cm (56 in.)
Females horns: Yes

Found in the North-eastern parts of the Northern Province, especially the National Kruger Park, as well as in some distinct part of the North-West Province

This is close to the second largest antelope next to the eland, but it's beaten by some of the biggest kudu. Very often though, the royal roan is the heavier.

They keep in small herds and move over vast areas of tall grasslands or bushveld. It doesn't bred most of it's calves, because the red-brown calves are one of the more popular meals to the bigger cats, especially the lion. Adult males and females does defend themselves. They can even be very dangerous when they lack an escape route.

This animal shares the feature of backward-curling horns only with the sable antelope (it has, however, also been the case with the the extinct blue antelope). The roan is guilty of being a bit on the curious side, for it usually stops to look back after it has heard or smell the hunter and has run some hundred yards through the bush. Of course, this presents the hunter with a grand chance for his trophy ambitions!

Sable Antelope
(Latin = Hippotragus niger , Afrikaans = Swartwitpens, German = Rappenantilope)

(Latin = Hippotragus niger , Afrikaans = Swartwitpens, German = Rappenantilope)

Numbers: Low
Weight: 180 - 230 kg (396 - 506 lb)
Shoulder height: 135 cm (54 in.)
Females horns: Yes

Found in the warmest parts of the Northern Province, especially the Limpopo-valley, as well as in the Lowveld area of Mpumalanga.

This graceful animal was always been over poured with the grandest of complimentary adjectives. If this antelope is seen in action, it is easy to understand why so much superlative language has always been used to describe it. It is said to be the bravest of all antelopes, an animal who will, regardless of it's enemy, put up a warrior-like fight to protect itself. Some call it the king of the antelopes. Some simply say it the most noble, most graceful, most beautiful antelope you'll ever find. Over the years, it is reported by more than one observer, even to have killed a lion!When cornered, it stick to it's sharped edged guns (horns) of up to 50 inches or more , lifts up it's mane and fights to the gruesome end. The females are more brownish (and may even vary in distinct shades of brown) with shorter horns, while the bulls are heavier, have longer horns and are found in a kingly black colour, which may also vary in shade in different regions. All sable antelopes have very typical white skinned tummies and faces, with a black-coloured center-stripe running from the forehead to the nose. It isn't an animal that you'll encounter very often, and it isn't even the biggest antelope of them all, but it's reputation doesn't lack any greatness.