Gemsbok

Scientific name: Oryx gazella

How weight is recorded: Carcass weight

Field notes

Appearance

Both sexes carry long, straight horns (females slightly shorter); coat is pale tan to grey with black and white facial markings, black stripe along spine, and dark patches on legs. Males are stockier and more muscular than females; mature bulls weigh noticeably more.

Size and weight

Males 210–240 cm body length, 180–240 kg; females 200–220 cm, 120–180 kg. Horn length 80–150 cm in both sexes.

Habitat

Gemsbok inhabit arid and semi-arid savanna, desert scrub, and grassland across southern Africa. They tolerate harsh, open terrain with sparse vegetation and are found from sea level to approximately 2,000 m elevation.

Distribution

Found across the Kalahari Basin, Botswana, Namibia, and parts of South Africa and Angola. They prefer open, arid grassland and savanna where vegetation is sparse and visibility is high.

Diet

Gemsbok graze on perennial grasses and browse shrubs, forbs, and roots; they exploit moisture-rich plants during dry seasons and will dig for water-bearing tubers.

Behaviour

Mostly crepuscular and diurnal; they move across open ground with minimal cover, traveling in small herds or bachelor groups that may aggregate in favorable areas. Territorial bulls defend ranges; herds are generally mobile except during drought concentrations.

Hunting tips

Look for fresh tracks in sand and packed soil near water sources and along morning/evening movement corridors; droppings are clustered and relatively large. Approach from downwind across open ground, using terrain folds and scattered shrubs for concealment; stalk slowly to close distance, as their excellent vision and hearing demand careful positioning. Early morning and late afternoon provide the best light and activity windows.

Carcass weight

This species is logged by carcass weight — the animal weighed dressed, the way hunting teams normally report it.

Where it is hunted

Listed as huntable in 3 countries in Huntify.

Names in other languages

These field notes are general species knowledge, not legal advice. Always check the current seasons, quotas and firearm rules where you hunt.