Grey Rhebok

Vaal Rhebok

The Grey Rhebok or Grey Rhebuck (Pelea capreolus, locally known as the Vaal Rhebok or Vaalribbok) is a species of antelope endemic to South Africa, Zimbabwe, Lesotho and Swaziland. Active during the day in sporadic bouts of grazing and resting, the Rhebuck generally rests in shade during the noon hours. While the rest of the herd forages or rests, an appointed ’sentinel’ watches for signs of danger. If a threat appears, this guard makes a cough-like grunt to alert the rest of the family, and then leads the group to less accessible ground.

The Rhebuck has a jerky, rocking gait, and when in flight holds it tail erect, displaying the white underside. An agile climber, the Rhebuck is also a good jumper. The dominant male in a harem herd is territorial, defending a central home range from intrusion by other males. This home territory is generally 15-80 hectares un size, smaller in the summer and larger and at lower altitudes in the winter. Males are extremely aggressive during the breeding season, with conflicts quickly escalating from posturing and vocalizing to serious fighting, where it is not uncommon for one of the contestants to be killed.

PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS

With an average size of 2 1/2 feet at the shoulder and weight of 50 pounds, the Vaal Rhebok is one of the smaller antelope species. The thick, wooly coat is grayish brown above and lighter below, with the inner thighs and underside of the bushy tail white. The fronts of the lower legs are darker. The body is small, with long, graceful limbs and a slender neck. The long ears are slender and pointed. There is a dark facial blaze, and the nostrils are bulbous and black. A white eye ring contrasts sharply with the black-lidded eyes. The stiletto-like horns are found only in males, and rise directly above the eyes. Bent forward slightly, they grow 15-29 cm / 6-11.6 inches long.

STATUS

Despite the Vaal Rhebok’s limited range, the population numbers are considered to be stable with huntable numbers of these unique antelope. Loss of habitat to land development is the major concern, however their status and value as a game animal has many game managers working to increase their populations and is not considered in danger.

WEAPONS USED

Vaal Rhebok are small antelope and not hard to kill. Use a .243 Winchester or 6mm cartridge. A .270 or larger caliber is certainly not “over gunning” when hunting reedbuck and long shots are a distinct possibility, so a good scope is highly recommended.

For archery hunters, any bow capable of downing a whitetail will work.