Klipspringer, Botswana, Africa
Of over 90 species of antelopes in our world, there is only one that lives on rocks and cliffs: the klipspringer. Named for its ability to jump rocks, the Afrikaans translation is “rock jumper.”
A very small antelope averaging about 22 inches (58 cm) high, Oreotragus oreotragus lives in southern and eastern Africa on rocky outcroppings. It gracefully bounds across the rocks, and lands with all four feet together. This acrobatic skill is their best protection from predators like leopard, jackal, and hyena. They browse on leaves, berries, and fruits and are not dependent on water; so they can stay isolated and protected high up on the cliffs.
I only saw this rock-dancing antelope once, the pair was hundreds of feet up on a rocky cliff. But you know how it is when you see an animal that is exhibiting such beautiful skill; you stop and watch, let nothing else distract you, and even after they’re gone, or you’re gone, you never forget it. And it’s always great to have the photos to remind you it wasn’t just a dream.
Klipspringer, Botswana, Africa
Photo credit: Athena Alexander
Klipspringer, Botswana
Jet Eliot 
So cute!
They are so very cute! Thanks so much Ingrid. 😀
What a beautiful post…..and animal. I agree with heartily that you never forget the sighting of such a lovely creature. Janet
It’s a pleasant memory bank to enjoy for a lifetime. Thank you, Janet, I always appreciate your presence here. 😀
You are most welcome:)
😀
Beautiful creature with a delightful name!
I like the name because it’s so easy to remember the springing that he does. Thanks so very much, pc. 😀
Good looking antelope! Thanks Jet! 🙂
Thank YOU, HJ, for stopping by. 😀
Marvelous! I envy that sort of agility.
I admire it too, Gunta, they’re so agile and quick. We were not close enough to hear their hooves clicking on the rocks, but I bet that’s a thrill too. Thank you, m;y friend, and have a fun weekend. 🙂
They are so cute. A friend of mine hunted and killed one of these beautiful creatures and I could not understand how he could do that.
I have never understood that act either, Donna. Thanks for stopping by. 🙂
Beautiful creature! Enjoy reading, Jet!
Thanks so very much, Amy — I’m delighted you enjoyed the Klipspringer. 🙂
Reblogged this on Art, animals, and the earth.
Thank you for the re-blog Sharon! 😀
Sooooooo pretty!
They definitely are so pretty, and so at home in the cliffs. Thanks Cindy! 😀
Excellent lighting really helped make these pictures special.
That’s a great point, Frank. They were hundreds of feet up on a precarious and unreachable cliff. Thanks so much. 😀
What a gracious antelope with such a rare skill! Great pictures too.
Thanks so much, Tiny. They are quite rare to find, too. I’ve spent over six weeks in Africa, and only saw this antelope once, led by a guide who knew where to look. Very glad you enjoyed it! 😀
Such a pretty creature, one I’d never heard of. Glad to have ‘seen’ one now! RH
I had never heard of them either, RH. They are quite rare to find. We were lucky our guide had heard where we might find a pair, then circled and circled and searched for them, and saw them hundreds of feet away on the cliff. I’m glad you got to “see” one too! 😀
Very appropriate name. Jet, you introduce me to so many wonderful creatures I’ve never heard of 🙂
It is the perfect name, right? It’s a total pleasure to introduce you to wonderful new creatures, Andrea — thanks so much for your kind comment. 😀
Amazing! Was this antelope included in the Denver Museum exhibit? I don’t remember seeing it featured.
No, this one is so rare that you won’t see it in many exhibits, and it was not in the Denver Natural History exhibit either. Good eye Nan! 😀