Antelope Species of Southern Africa
Southern Africa hosts a wide range of antelope species, from tiny forest dwellers to some of the largest bovids on the continent. This page introduces some of the more commonly encountered species and the features that help distinguish one from another.
Impala
The impala is one of the most widespread and frequently seen antelope in the region. It is a medium-sized, reddish-brown animal with a white underside and distinctive black stripes on the rear and tail. Males carry long, lyre-shaped horns, while females are hornless. Impala are mixed feeders, able to graze or browse depending on conditions, which helps explain their presence across such a broad range of habitats, from open savanna to denser bushveld.
Kudu
The greater kudu is instantly recognisable by the male's long, spiralling horns, among the most striking of any antelope species. Kudu are browsers, favouring leaves and shoots over grass, and are typically found in woodland and thicket areas that provide both food and cover. They are generally shy and rely on stillness and camouflage, their grey-brown coats with faint white stripes blending well into dappled light and vegetation.
Springbok
The springbok is closely associated with the open plains of the drier parts of Southern Africa, particularly the Karoo and similar semi-arid regions. It is a medium-sized, fawn-coloured antelope with a dark stripe along its flank and a distinctive white patch of long hair along the back, which can be raised during a stiff-legged jumping display known as "pronking". Springbok are grazers and often form large herds on open grassland.
Eland
The eland is the largest antelope species found in Southern Africa, and one of the largest in the world. Despite their size, eland are capable of jumping considerable heights and are surprisingly agile. Both sexes carry horns, though those of males are noticeably thicker. Eland are mixed feeders and tend to roam widely in search of food, often moving between different vegetation types depending on the season.
Blesbok and Bontebok
These closely related antelope are notable for the white blaze that runs down the face, giving them their name. Blesbok are more widespread and associated with open grassland in the central parts of the region, while bontebok have a more limited natural range concentrated in parts of the Western Cape. Both are grazers and tend to form herds on open ground.
Klipspringer
The klipspringer is a small antelope adapted specifically to rocky, mountainous terrain. Its name, derived from Afrikaans and Dutch, means "rock jumper", a fitting description of its remarkable agility on steep and uneven ground. Klipspringers walk on the tips of their hooves, an adaptation that provides better grip on rock surfaces, and they are usually seen in pairs rather than larger groups.
Duiker
Duikers are small, secretive antelope found in thicket and woodland habitats across the region. The common duiker is the most widespread species and is notable for its adaptability, being found in a wide range of habitats from forest edges to farmland. Duikers are generally solitary or found in pairs, relying on dense cover and quick, low movements to avoid predators rather than speed in open ground.
Telling Species Apart
With so many species sharing similar colouring, a few features are particularly useful for identification. Horn shape and size often give the clearest clue, since they vary enormously between species and are usually easier to observe than subtle coat differences. Body size and typical habitat are also useful, since many species are strongly associated with either open grassland or denser woodland and thicket. Group size and behaviour, such as whether an animal is seen alone, in pairs or in larger herds, can further help narrow down an identification in the field.