Oribi

Oribi (Ourebia ourebi) Scientific classification Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: Chordata Class: Mammalia Order: Artiodactyla Family: Bovidae Genus: Ourebia Species: O. ourebi Conservation Status: Lower risk

Found in most countries throughout sub-Saharan Africa, the Oribi is graceful small antelope, yet quiet elusive and hard to spot. They are most active during the morning, late afternoon and evening.

Slender-legged and long-necked, oribi grow to around 92-110 cm (36 to 43 inches) in length, with a shoulder height of 50-66 cm (20 to 26 inches) and weigh an average of 12-22 kg (26 to 49 lb). They can run at speeds of up to 40-50 km/h (25 - 31mph). The back and upper chest is yellow to orange-brown. The chin, throat, chest, belly and rump are white. The tail is short and bushy, the upper side black or dark brown, and the under surface white.

The white crescent-shaped band of fur above the eye is a characteristic that helps to distinguish this species from other similar looking antelope. Below each ear are large round black glandular patches and on the sides of the face are vertical creases that house the pre-orbital glands. These glands produce an odorous secretion that is used to mark the oribi's territory. Only males grow horns, which are slender and upright, ridged to about halfway up, the ends being smooth and pointed, with some of length 19cm (7.5 inches) being recorded.

Oribi's territory ranges from Senegal to west and central Ethiopia and southern Somalia, southward into eastern Kenya, across into north Botswana and Angola, with patchy and discontinuous distribution through Mozambique, Zimbabwe and into central and eastern South Africa. They typically inhabit open grasslands or thinly bushed country, preferring habitats with short grasses on which to graze, interspersed with tall grass which provides cover from predators and the elements. Oribi are highly water-dependent and tend to avoid steep slopes.

Primarily grazers, oribi prefer to eat short grasses but will browse on leaves, foliages and young shoots during the dry season. They are often seen in burnt areas after veld fires, returning to the area to eat the fresh grass shoots. To supplement its diet, mineral licks are also used.

During the breeding season, August to December, the male will mate with all the females who share his territory. Usually only one or two females are present in each territory. Following a gestation period of 6 to 7 months, a single offspring is born. For the first 8 to 10 weeks the female oribi hides her young in thick grass, where it will lie motionless if approached. The mother returns periodically to suckle her offspring. Young are weaned at about four to five months. Females reach sexual maturity at 10 months, males at 14 months.

Oribi fall prey to numerous animals including lions, leopards, caracals, hyenas, hunting dogs, jackals, crocodiles and pythons. Young are also taken by eagles, genets and other small carnivores. When alarmed, they produce a shrill whistle. Often they do not attempt to flee until an intruder is within a few meters, remaining motionless in the grass, relying on camouflage. If threatened they gallop away, bounding stiff-legged into the air every few strides; a behaviour known as stotting.

Source: Wikipedia's Oribi page.

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