Kuzikus is home to various antelope species (Family: Bovidae) including Oryx/Gemsbok, Greater Kudu, Common Eland, Hartebeest, two species of Wildebeest (Black & Blue Gnu), Blesbok, Springbok, Impala, Steenbok, and Common Duiker. Furthemore Burchell`s Zebra, Ostrich, Black Rhino and Giraffe also freely roam the area.
Oryx/ Gemsbok Oryx gazella
The Oryx is predominantly a grazer, but in the dry season might also browse. In fact, we observed old Mr. Oryx in camp during the mammal study in September chewing loudly on Acacia seed pods.
Oryx can be independent of water and gets by on water-storing roots, bulbs and grasses. However, they readily drinks when water is available. The Oryx is well adapted to desert environments as its body temperature can rise up to 40 degrees Celsius without being deadly. Oryx abundance in Kuzikus was estimated to 500 individuals in 2009 (see BRinK reports).
Greater Kudu Tragelaphus strepsiceros
Kudu prefer denser bush and Acacia, hills and mountains. Kudus have the ability to jump over two meters high. They are browsers.
Males weigh up to 270kg, whereas females do not have horns and weigh up to 210kg. Kudus form female herd with calves, whereas males are often alone or form bachelor herds. The males fight for the females in the breeding season, often during the end of the rainy season. Gestation takes around 240days and most calves are born in February and March.
Common Eland Taurotragus oryx
The Eland is the largest species of antelope (Bovine), bulls weighing up to 1000kg. Eland have a unusual herd structure in that they leave the herd as necessary and do not form close ties. Eland mainly browse and dig for bulbs and roots with front hoofs. Males use their horns to break off branches to gain access to leaves normally out of reach. Eland are independent of water, but drink when its available.
The calf usually remains hidden for the first two weeks after birth as in many antelopes. During this time the calf possesses hardly any odour to avoid being smelled by predators.
Red Hartebeest Alcelaphus caama
The Hartebeest can weigh up to 200kg and mainly feeds on grass. Adult males are territorial and herds can be very large (up to thousands!).
Females give birth to a single calf away from the herd. It remains hidden until its strong enough to keep up with other animals.
BlesbokDamaliscus pygarus phillipsi
The Blesbok is a close relative to the Bontebok and they can interbreed. However they do not share the same habitat. The Blesbok was introduced to Kuzikus originating from the Eastern Cape and the Transvaal Highveld in South Africa. The introduction into reserves ensures its population number.
The Blesbok is a grazer and seasonal breeder. It forms female herds with young and bachelor groups. Young are born November and December after a gestation of 240 days.
SpringbokAntidorcas marsupialis
The Springbok is the most abundant larger mammal on Kuzikus with an estimation over 1000 individuals in Spring 2009. However, population size probably fluctuates with food abundance and rain. The Springbok is famous for its spectecular pronking and high jumps.
It usually forms small herds but congregates into enormous herds of many thousands on feeding grounds. Springbok graze and browse and rams are territorial. The young joins the herd only after 2 days.
