Gemsbok

species of mammal

The gemsbok or gemsbuck (Oryx gazella) is an African plains antelope. They are found all over Africa, especially Tanzania, Namibia and South Africa.

Gemsbok
Scientific classification
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O. gazella
Binomial name
Oryx gazella

Grouping

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Gemsboks live in a herd of 10-40. The herds are usually set up with a dominant male and female as leaders of the herd. The males have striaght pointed horns and have been known to attack and kill lions and other predators by impaling them. The females are the same, but sometimes have curved horns.

Northern and Southern

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There are two varieties of gemsbok. A Northern Gemsbuck and a Southern Gemsbok. The northern variety have black fringed ears and live in the more northern parts of Africa. The Southern variety have longer horns and live in the southern parts of Africa.