Sharpe's+Grysbok

The sharpe’s grysbok, also known as the northern grysbok is a shy and small breed of antelope that resides in the South Eastern parts of Africa. The animal has a stockier body and only ranges to about 20 inches (45-60 cm) in height. It has a reddish brown coat of fur that covers its whole body, with areas and speckles of white near its nose, eyes, and underside of its belly. The grysbok has very short and stubby teeth due to its lack of eating meat. Males have the ability to grow tiny horns that are widely spaced out upon the animal’s head and the females cannot grow horns at all. All sharpe’s grysbok have a “high rump” posture due to their longer legs and shorter necks.

The grysbok is not commonly seen roaming in groups or herds. Males and females may form brief associations if they are compatible to mate. The animal does mark territory through their droppings. Sharpe’s grysbok are known to live in rockier areas in fertile zones. The animal is not easily spotted in its home due to its “flight” instincts. Even the brush of a branch or the howl of the wind can send a grysbok running in the other direction.

As for mating, the grysbok has a gestation period of about seven months. Commonly, only one lamb is born per pregnancy. Because of the animal’s secretive nature, not a lot of information is recorded about their mating tendencies. The sharpe’s grysbok is a nocturnal eater that browses on shrubs, leaves, and tougher fruits.

The sharpe's grysbok is rated “least concern” on the chart of animal conservation, meaning there are plenty of these animals alive in the wild. Although the populaton is on a good status, the grysbok has plenty of predators including, lions, hyenas, jackals, and cheetahs. The animal usually makes burrows in the ground to shelter themselves from predators.