Raphicerus campestris (Thunberg, 1811)

Species Naming and Initial Comparison

Steenbok, scientifically named Raphicerus campestris (Thunberg, 1811), resemble small oribi.

Shoulder Height and Weight

They stand 45–60 cm (16"–24") at the shoulder, and weigh 7–16 kg (15–35 lb).

Coat Coloration

Their coat can be any shade from fawn to rufous, and is typically quite orange.

Underside and Eye Markings

The underside, including the chin and throat, is white; the ring around the eye is also white.

Ear Characteristics

Their ears are large, with "finger-mark" markings on the inner surface.

Male Horn Structure

Only males have straight, smooth, parallel horns that measure 7–19 cm (2.8–7.5 in) long.

Facial Markings

Steenbok have a black crescent-shaped marking between the ears, a long black bridge leading to the glossy black nose, and a circular black scent gland located in front of the eye.

Tail Characteristics

Their tail is only 4–6 cm (1.6–2.4 in) long, so it is not usually visible.

Distribution Clusters

There are two distinct clusters in the steenbok's distribution.

East African Distribution

In East Africa, the species occurs in central and southern Kenya and northern Tanzania; it was formerly widespread across Uganda, but is now almost certainly extinct there.

Southern African Distribution

In Southern Africa, it occurs in Angola, Namibia, South Africa, Eswatini, Botswana, Mozambique, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and is considered to probably be present in Lesotho.

General Habitat Range

Steenbok inhabit a variety of habitats ranging from semi-desert such as the edge of the Kalahari Desert and Etosha National Park, to open woodland and thickets; this includes open plains, stony savannah, and Acacia–grassland mosaics.

Favoured Habitat Type

They are reported to favour unstable or transitional habitats.

Kruger National Park Habitat Preference

At least in the central part of South Africa's Kruger National Park, Steenbok show a distinct year-round preference for Acacia tortilis savannah, and do not tend to migrate to moister areas during the dry season.

Behavior Comparison to Other Ungulates

This differs from the behaviour of many larger African savannah ungulates, including species that live alongside Steenbok during the wet season.

Population Density

The typical population density of steenbok is 0.3–1.0 individuals per square kilometre, and this can reach 4 individuals per km² in optimal habitats.