GENERAL CHARACTERISTICS
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Gemsbok are large bovids with very thick, muscular necks, covered in dense, inelastic skin.
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This species is the largest of the Oryx species.
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Whereas males are slightly larger.
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The slightly curved, ringed horns
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The horns of females are often shorter and more slender than those of males.
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Black markings on the face extend down from the base of the horns to above the muzzle, and sweep back in stripes over the eyes and cheeks.
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Black continues down the neck and around the underbody, forming bands around all four legs.
HEAD TO BODY LENGTH : 180 -195 cm ( 70.87 – 76.77 in )
HORN LENGTH : 85 cm ( 33 in )
Tail Length: 80 – 90 cm ( 31 – 35 in )
SHOULDER HEIGHT: 1.2 -1.4 m ( 4.0 -4.5 feet )
WEIGHT: 180 – 225 kg ( 400 -500 lbs )
RANGE: Southern East Africa
HABITAT: Wooded and wetter grasslands
FOOD: Dry and green grass
STATUS: Threatened, although the numbers are declining
REASON FOR STATUS : Habitat destruction
GESTATION PERIOD : 8.50 months
LIFESPAN: 18 years in the wild/ 22 yrs in captivity