Klipspringer

Klipspringer

The Klipspringer (literally “rock jumper” in Afrikaans), Oreotragus oreotragus, also known colloquially as a mvundla (from Xhosa “umvundla”, meaning “rabbit”), is a small African antelope that lives from the Cape of Good Hope all the way up East Africa and into Ethiopia.

PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS

Reaching approximately 58cm (22 inches) at the shoulder, Klipspringers are relatively small animals compared to some of their larger antelope cousins. Only the males have horns that are usually about 20-25cm (4-6 inches) long. They stand on the tips of their hooves.

With a thick and dense speckled “salt and pepper” patterned coat of an almost olive shade, Klipspringers blend in well with the kopje (rock outcrops, pronounced “kah-pee”) on which they can usually be found.

Klipspringers are herbivores, eating rock plants. They never need to drink, since the succulents they subsist on provide them with enough water to survive.

STATUS

Thanks to their inhospitable home ranges, many Klipspringer populations have survived despite clearing of habitat for livestock and surrounding cultivation. But because they are so exposed and their habits are so regular, particularly in dunging and feeding, these antelope are highly susceptible to hunting and snaring. Klipspringers are an interesting addition to a trophy collection and due to their small size, are often done as a full-mount.

WEAPONS USED

Klipspringers are tiny animals. Given the size of these antelope, rifles as small as .22 rimfire or .22 Magnum will work well. The typical .270 Winchester caliber rifles and larger can be used for hunting these antelope as the bullet typically passes through without doing much damage to the hide. Because of the rocky and thick terrain they inhabit, good quality optics are a must as shots might be long or you’ll have to pick an opening through the brush.

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