Klipspringer at a Glance
Klipspringer means “rock jumper” in Afrikaans, and this small antelope lives up to it on the steepest rocky slopes. A dense gray-brown coat blends with granite and sandstone, and in southern Africa only the males carry short, sharp horns. Blunt, rubbery hooves let it balance on tiny ledges, and pairs often stand high on boulders to watch the valleys below.
Klipspringers are small antelope usually found around rocky outcrops and boulder-strewn hills. They are most often seen in pairs, but if there is a lamb around, you may spot three or four together. Some of my favorite places to look for klipspringers are along the rocky boulders between Malelane Gate and Skukuza, around the Kruger Tablets area, and on the road towards Nkumbe Viewpoint. Another excellent spot is along the Biyamiti River drive where they like the rocky outcrops.
- Mary-Anne Finlay - Tour Guide Since 2006 (THETA Registration No: GP 2432)
Klipspringer occurs from South Africa’s Western Cape north along the escarpment to the Namib Desert on the west, and from northern South Africa around Kruger to Ethiopia in the east. Scattered populations live in the Drakensberg Mountains where cliffs and rocky outcrops provide ideal refuges.
Conservation Status
As a species, the klipspringer is not threatened and remains widespread in rocky habitats, with an estimated population of about 40,000. Only about a quarter live in protected areas. In South Africa they are common on rocky ground in Kruger, Mapungubwe and the mountain parks.
Habitat
Klipspringer prefer rocky hills, koppies and mountains with scattered shrubs and herbs. They feed within a small home range but may move up to 500 m to reach fresh shoots. Most of their water comes from their food. Their climbing ability on boulders and loose scree is their escape from predators.
Social Organization
Klipspringer live as monogamous pairs in a shared territory, its size depending on food, rainfall, predators and local density. In the Ethiopian highlands territories average about 9 ha (0.09 square kilometers); in South Africa’s Northern Cape they average about 49 ha (0.49 square kilometers).
Finest Safari Areas in Africa for Encountering Klipspringer
Look for klipspringer on the sandstone ridges of Golden Gate and Mapungubwe and the rocky slopes of the Drakensberg, often standing still on a high boulder.
Social Behavior
Klipspringer are most active early and late in the day and rest at midday. Partners stay within a few meters of each other, one feeding while the other keeps watch. They mark their territory with secretions from glands in front of the eyes, and pairs often groom each other. Their alarm whistles carry well across rocky slopes.
Reproduction
Klipspringer can breed year-round, but most births fall in late spring and early summer after a gestation of about seven months. Both sexes mature at about one year. Courtship can include circling and a foreleg-lifting display by the male.
Anti-Predator Behavior
With two pairs of eyes on watch, klipspringer spot danger early. They bound to the steepest rocks and give sharp alarm whistles. Leopard are the main predator; caracal, jackals and large eagles may take young. Once safe, klipspringer look back at the threat before they start feeding again.