The klipspringer (Oreotragus oreotragus) is a small antelope found in Angola, Namibia, Eastern and Southern Africa. In Rooiels, we have the subspecies Oreotragus oreotragus ssp. oreotragus (Cape klipspringer.)

The vernacular name "klipspringer" is a compound of the Afrikaans words klip ("rock") and springer ("leaper").

Klipspringers are nocturnal, opting to rest under a bush during the midday. At sunset, they emerge to browse, favouring young plants, berries and flowers on the slopes of Rooiels Mountain and Klein Hangklip.

They boast a thick and coarse coat, with hollow, brittle hairs, unlike most other antelope. This likely aids in heat regulation. The short horns are spiky.

The klipspringer’s hooves have adapted to the rocky environment, being flat at the bottom with rounded tips. This allows the klipspringer to leap nimbly from rock to rock when in danger, much like a ballerina dancing en pointe—this is unique among antelopes.

Rooiels residents sometimes encounter klipspringers at sunrise in the mountains or near freshwater ponds close to the sea. The klipspringers may even descend into the village to graze in the road reserves or the Rooiels Reserve, especially after a veld fire when food is scarce in the mountains.

Klipspringers are monogamous, forming long-term to lifelong pair-bonding, staying within 5 meters of each other. When startled, they bolt away, leaping up the mountain, often pausing on a boulder at a safe distance to call nasal warnings. This is when you could stand still, listen for a partner's reply and observe. They are rarely solitary and you might see the rest of the family, sometimes even a lamb.

Predators such as leopard, caracal, baboons, Verreaux eagles, humans and dogs pose a threat in the Kogelberg area. Klipspringers can also get caught in the wildfires of our area.

Standing only 60 cm on their ballerina hooves, klipspringers have a miraculous way of surviving.

Find out more on iNaturalist