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Gemsbok

Mammals

The gemsbok, Oryx gazella, is a large antelope in the genus Oryx. It is endemic to the dry and barren regions of Botswana, Namibia, South Africa and parts of Zimbabwe, mainly inhabiting the Kalahari and Namib Deserts, where it is supremely adapted for survival. Previously some sources classified the related East African oryx as a subspecies. The name gemsbok is from Afrikaans, from the Dutch word meaning male chamois, although the chamois and the oryx are not closely related despite some superficial similarities in the facial pattern. Gemsbok are light taupe to tan in colour with a long black tail, and they are widely hunted for their spectacular horns.

Facts
Classification
Diet
Herbivore 1
System (Realm)
Terrestrial 1
Relationship to People
Hunted or Fished 1
Living or Extinct
Yes 1
Lifespan
23.8 2
Connections

Child Taxon Of

Bovidae, Taxa
Source Gemsbok (Wikipedia)

In Biome

Desert, Biomes
Source Gemsbok (Wikipedia)
Grassland, Biomes
Source Gemsbok (Wikipedia)

In Ecosystem

Source Gemsbok (Wikipedia)
In the Other Atlases

Found In

Also in Geography Atlas: where this subject is found.

Source Gemsbok (Wikipedia)Lead, system
Quote, Lead, system
It is endemic to the dry and barren regions of Botswana, Namibia, South Africa and (parts of) Zimbabwe, mainly inhabiting the Kalahari and Namib Deserts, areas in which it is supremely adapted for survival.

Also in Geography Atlas: where this subject is found.

Source Gemsbok (Wikipedia)Lead, system
Quote, Lead, system
It is endemic to the dry and barren regions of Botswana, Namibia, South Africa and (parts of) Zimbabwe, mainly inhabiting the Kalahari and Namib Deserts, areas in which it is supremely adapted for survival.

Also in Geography Atlas: where this subject is found.

Source Gemsbok (Wikipedia)Lead, system
Quote, Lead, system
It is endemic to the dry and barren regions of Botswana, Namibia, South Africa and (parts of) Zimbabwe, mainly inhabiting the Kalahari and Namib Deserts, areas in which it is supremely adapted for survival.

Also in Geography Atlas: where this subject is found.

Source Gemsbok (Wikipedia)Lead, system
Quote, Lead, system
It is endemic to the dry and barren regions of Botswana, Namibia, South Africa and (parts of) Zimbabwe, mainly inhabiting the Kalahari and Namib Deserts, areas in which it is supremely adapted for survival.
Sources
1. Gemsbok (Wikipedia)
  • Lead
    The gemsbok (Oryx gazella) is a large antelope in the genus Oryx.
  • Diet
    The gemsbok is generally a grazer but changes to browsing during the dry season or when grass is sparse.
  • Horns
    Gemsbok are widely hunted for their spectacular horns that average 85 cm (33 in) in length.
  • Lead, system
    It is endemic to the dry and barren regions of Botswana, Namibia, South Africa and (parts of) Zimbabwe, mainly inhabiting the Kalahari and Namib Deserts, areas in which it is supremely adapted for survival.
  • In Biome: Grassland, Potential invasive status
    Additionally, New Mexico gemsbok seem to prefer undisturbed grasslands for feeding, putting pressure on grassland ecosystems already threatened by climate change and encroachment by shrubs.
  • Child Taxon Of: Bovidae, Potential invasive status
    In addition, gemsbok may spread disease to fellow bovids like the desert bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis nelsoni).
View the Source
2. AnAge (Human Ageing Genomic Resources): AnAge entry for Oryx gazella
AnAge (Human Ageing Genomic Resources)Lifespan, ageing, and relevant traits
Quote, Lifespan, ageing, and relevant traits
Maximum longevity 23.8 years (captivity)
View the Source
Artiodactyla (Wikipedia)
In Group: Even-Toed Ungulates (Artiodactyla), Inner systematics
Quote, In Group: Even-Toed Ungulates (Artiodactyla), Inner systematics
The bovids (Bovidae) are the most species-rich family.
View the Source
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