Gemsbok

The gemsbok is a large antelope and is often found living in deserts and other dry, extremely warm places. The gemsbok has adapted over time and can live in very hot places that most mammals cannot survive in, some living in temperatures of over 113 degrees Fahrenheit. These animals keep cool by staying in the shade most of the day and drawing water out of fruits and other foods. They are herbivores and often eat fruits, seedpods, and grasses.

The gemsbok have very long horns on their head, and they actually are used as a defense mechanism. The horns are 30 inches of pain, and have been known to impale attacking animals- most often lions. Gemsbok typically live 20-30 years. They have no set mating season, but young in a herd are often close to the same age indicating that females are synchronized in that area of life. The gestation period is 8.5 months, and gemsbok reproduce every 9 months. The young are never seen with their mother, but are always safely hidden nearby.