A steenbok is a small type of antelope that lives all over Kruger National Park. You might just catch a fleeting glimpse of one on your safari.
When you do spot one, it’ll usually be on its own or perhaps with one other, in the long grass beside the road. Then, it’ll run off deeper into the bush for protection.
If you want to get a photo of one, make sure your camera is switched on and ready to take pictures!
These buck are a light brown colour with white undersides. They live for about six years.
They’re only a small type of antelope and they have very large ears compared to the size of their heads. The ears especially stand out on the females who don’t have any horns, unlike the males.
If this kind of antelope senses a predator, it’ll lie low to hide and then spring up at the last moment to escape. Their predators are:
- Caracals (lynxes)
- Cheetahs
- Leopards
- Lions
- Martial eagles
- Pythons
- Wild Dogs
These buck like to lie down in the shade for the hottest part of the day, so you may be more unlikely to see one at this time.
They eat when it’s cooler and even after the sun’s gone down. So your best chance of seeing one will be in the morning, the late afternoon or perhaps on an evening game drive.
Interestingly, they don’t drink water very often at all. They get all the moisture they need from the vegetation they eat.
| Quick facts | |
| Latin name | Raphicerus campestris |
| Diet | Herbivore, eating bulbs, grass, leaves and roots |
| Weight | 9-13kg (20-29lb) |
| Shoulder height | 45-60cm (18-24in) |
| Gestation period | 6 months producing one or two lambs at any time of year, but peak time is November to December |
After babies are born, they’re kept hidden for two weeks in the bushes. You’d be really lucky to spot a newborn!