Oryx gazella, gemsbok - Middle Africa Desert Herbivores

Oryx gazella, gemsbok
Animal Diversity Web
University of Michigan
By Sheri Sanders

Geographic Range
The range of gemsbok, Oryx gazella, mostly consists of southern east Africa, though formerly the range included South Africa.

Gemsbok have been introduced into Mexico, as well as the southwestern United States. (Kingdon, 1997; Mehlhop et al., 1997; Siyabona Africa Travel, 2005)

Habitat
Gemsbok are found at elevations from 900 to 1,200 meters, in wooded grasslands as well as wetter grasslands. They can survive in areas of low productivity. Gemsbok prefer stony plains with at least limited water access, but can subsist in areas of dunes, rocky mountainous areas, and arid habitats with little seasonal water. Gemsbok also frequent open areas more than areas with increased tree density. (Clark and Clark, 2005; Estes, 1991; Kingdon, 1997)

These animals are found in the following types of habitat:
tropical ; terrestrial .

Terrestrial Biomes:
desert or dune ; savanna or grassland .
Physical Description
Mass
180 to 240 kg; avg. 210 kg
(396 to 528 lbs; avg. 462 lbs)

Length
180 to 195 cm
(70.87 to 76.77 in)

Gemsbok are large bovids with very thick, muscular necks, covered in dense, inelastic skin. Oryx gazella is the largest of the Oryx species. Gemsbok measure 115 to 125 cm high at the shoulder, and have total body lengths between 180 and 195 cm. Females weigh from 180 to 225 kg, whereas males are slightly larger, weighing between 180 and 240 kg. The slightly curved, ringed horns range from 60 to 150 cm in length. The horns of females are often shorter and more slender than those of males.

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