Appearance
How to Recognise the Steenbok in the Field
The steenbok is a small, common antelope found across southern and eastern Africa. Adults stand 45–60 cm (16–24 in) at the shoulder and weigh 7–16 kg (15–35 lb). Their coat ranges from fawn to bright rufous, often showing a warm orange tone. The underside, including the chin and throat, is white. A clear white ring surrounds each eye, and the ears are large, marked with dark “finger-lines” inside.
Males carry straight, smooth horns measuring 7–19 cm (2.8–7.5 in). A black crescent between the ears, a black bridge to the glossy nose and a dark circular preorbital gland in front of the eye give the face sharp definition. The tail is extremely short — only 4–6 cm (1.6–2.4 in) — and usually not visible in the field.
Because steenbok are small and finely built, they resemble miniature oribi; however, the distinct facial markings and short tail make them easy to identify.
Habitat
Where Steenbok Live and How They Use Their Environment
Steenbok occupy a wide range of habitats, from semi-desert at the edge of the Kalahari and Etosha to open woodland, acacia-grassland mosaics, stony savannah and transitional landscapes. They often prefer areas with scattered shrubs or grasses, and they do not migrate between wet and dry areas like many larger ungulates.
Population densities vary from 0.3–1.0 animals per km², reaching 4 per km² in optimal landscapes. They feed at low levels, as they cannot reach above 0.9 m (3 ft). Their diet centres on forbs, roots and tubers, which they dig up efficiently. When forbs decline, they shift to woody plants such as Flueggea virosa. They eat fruits occasionally and rarely graze grass.
Because they gain moisture from their food, steenbok are almost entirely independent of standing water. They are active both day and night. However, during heat they rest in shade, and during dry seasons they increase night-time feeding. While resting, they groom, ruminate or sleep briefly.
Behaviour
How Steenbok Escape Predators and Maintain Their Territories
At the first sign of danger, steenbok remain motionless in cover. If the threat approaches, they bolt in sudden zigzag runs to confuse predators. They often stop and look back during escape, alternating between movement and crouching. When needed, they take refuge in aardvark burrows. Predators include Southern African wildcat, caracal, jackal, leopard, martial eagle and pythons.
Steenbok live mostly solitary lives. Pairs come together only to mate, although research suggests that some pairs share a long-term territory while living independently. They keep contact through scent marking, often using dung middens. Territories range from 4 hectares to 1 km². Males become aggressive when females enter oestrus and engage in bluffing contests with rivals.
Breeding occurs year-round, with more births in November–December. Gestation lasts about 170 days, and females give birth to one precocial fawn. The newborn hides for about two weeks before joining its mother. It suckles for roughly three months. Females mature at 6–8 months, and males at 9 months. Steenbok live 7 years or more.