Gemsbok  (Oryx gazella)

The most distinctive features of this heavily built antelope are its long, rapier-shaped horns and striking black and white facial markings (2). The beautiful horns of the gemsbok are sought after as charms in many cultures and were even sold as unicorn horns in medieval England (3). The body is fawn-grey with a black stripe along the side separating the upperparts from the white underparts (2). There are five subspecies of Oryx gazella including the gemsbok (Oryx gazella gazella), the beisa oryx (O.g. beisa) and the fringe-eared oryx (O.g. callotis) (4). The gemsbok has a broader black side stripe than the beisa and fringe-eared oryx, and also has more extensive black on its upper legs (2). The fringe-eared oryx can be distinguished from the beisa oryx by the long tufts of hair growing from the tips of the ears, from which it gets its name (2). All subspecies have long, horse-like tails, and whilst both sexes possess the impressive horns, those of the male are shorter and more robust than the female's. Gemsbok calves lack any black body markings (2).