Namibia Steenbok
Namibia Steenbok can be easily mistaken for duiker, dik-dik or oribi. Diagnostic features of the steenbok are the large wide-set ears with the distinct leaf like pattern on the inside, the smooth horns and the red tail. They are extremely territorial even to the extent that they are reluctant to leave their territory after their food supply has been damaged by a major fire. They have been noted to eat meat occasionally and even to kill small animals such as birds and mice. They have a very high metabolic rate and during dry periods probably need to eat meat to satisfy their protein requirements. Steenbok live alone unless they are mating or the female has a lamb. They are the only antelope in Namibia to clear a patch with their front hooves before urinating or defecating and then cover it carefully by scraping sand over the spot. These little scrape marks are generally found on the perimeters of their territory as they serve as territorial markings.
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