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(Oreotragus oreotragus) Rowland Ward minimum: 4 1/8".
The name Klipspringer is the Afrikaans for "rock jumper" and alludes to the animal's uncanny ability in rocky territory where it can be seen moving freely, seemingly on tiptoe.
Weighing 24-26 lb. and standing 20-24" high at the shoulders, it is stocky for its size. Ewes are slightly larger than the rams. Only rams have short horns, which are ringed only at the base. They have smallish rounded ears positioned far back on the head, and with noticeable dark inner markings. A prominent feature is the large, black pre-orbital gland.
Leopard, jackal and spotted hyena prey on them. Lambs are vulnerable to eagles and baboons. They are very alert to predators and alarm signals of other species when browsing, and react by fleeing to higher ground with the female leading. Once safe they give whistling alarm calls in duet.
They are selective browsers of flowers, tender green shoots and fruits of a wide variety of shrubs and herbs and are not dependent on drinking water.
Klipsringers have a restricted habitat preference namely very rocky environments of mountainous areas and granite outcrops.