Klipspringer: a two-minute wildlife lesson

More African Antelopes · day 2 of 7

Five facts

1. The klipspringer walks on the very tips of its blunt hooves. This gives it a firm grip, so it can climb and bound nimbly over rocks.
2. Its thick coat is made of hollow, brittle hairs. This padding helps protect it in steep falls and keeps it warm or cool in harsh mountain weather.
3. Klipspringer pairs can stay together until one of them dies. Partners keep within about 5 m of each other and take turns watching for danger.
4. A klipspringer pair sings together: their main call is a shrill whistle, given as a duet to keep in touch or to warn of predators.
5. Klipspringers get most of their water from juicy plants rather than from pools. Some in Namibia were even seen climbing trees up to 5.4 m high.

The quiz

1. How does a klipspringer stand and walk?

• On the tips of its hooves (correct)
• On its knees
• Flat on wide, soft pads
• On its hind legs only

It walks on the tips of its hooves, which helps it grip rock.

2. How does the klipspringer's hollow-haired coat help it?

• It makes it float on rivers
• It cushions falls and insulates against harsh weather (correct)
• It changes colour to scare predators
• It stores water for dry days

The coat helps during steep falls and insulates it in extreme mountain climates.

3. What do klipspringer partners do while one of them is feeding?

• They go off alone for days
• They dig a den
• The other keeps a lookout for predators (correct)
• They swim across a lake

Mates take turns keeping watch for predators while the other feeds.

4. What is the klipspringer pair's main call?

• A deep roar
• A loud honk
• A soft purr
• A shrill whistle sung as a duet (correct)

The pair gives a shrill whistle together, as a duet.

5. Where do klipspringers get most of their water?

• From rivers
• From juicy, succulent plants (correct)
• From morning dew on rocks
• From lakes

They rely mainly on succulent plants, not water bodies.

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