Gemsbok
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| Gemsbok | ||||||||||||||||
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| Missing image Oryx_gazella_1.jpg | ||||||||||||||||
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| Oryx gazella (Linnaeus, 1758) |
The Gemsbok or gemsbuck Oryx gazella, is a large African Oryx antelope. The name is derived from the German name of the male chamois, "Gemsbock". Although there are some superficial similarities in appearance (especially in the colour of the face area), the chamois and the oryx are not related.
Gemsboks live in herds of about 10-30 animals, which consist of a dominant male, a few non-dominant males, and females. The female's horns may be curved, but the male's are thicker and parallel. Male gemsboks have been known to gore attacking lions with their horns.