antelope – TRAVEL WORDS

We’re goin’ to the zoo, zoo, zoo

This month Becky’s Squares are focusing on odd things – you can interpret this any way you want so I am going to take you all to the zoo this month. San Diego Zoo to be precise and the photos featured will be either odd looking animals, animals with odd names, odd facts or slightly odd photos. I hope you’ll enjoy my selection.

Day 24

Lesser kudu are striking striped antelope native to the dry lands of north-eastern Africa. Male and female lesser kudu look very different. Males are pale grey, and females are a bright reddish-brown. Both sexes have white stripes on their bodies. Only males have impressive spiralled horns which will twist 2.5 times and can grow up to 3.5 feet (60 to105 cm) long.

Large ears allow for enhanced listening abilities and predator detection. Facial markings consist of black stripes running from each eye towards the nose, and a white stripe running from each eye to the centre of the face. Legs are fawn coloured, with white spots above the hooves. Two white spots adorn either side of the neck. Lesser kudu are great jumpers and can leap over obstacles up to 8 feet (2.5 metres) high.

Lesser kudu emit a bark vocalisation when startled which warns others of potential predators.

We are into the last week of the ODD SQUARES month so please join in with Becky and the Square gang; the only rule is that the main photo MUST be a square – that is four equal sides! You have been warned 😉

We’re goin’ to the zoo, zoo, zoo

Day 19

The gerenuk, whose name means “giraffe-necked” in Somali, is an exceptionally long-necked antelope. Their head is small for their size, but their eyes and ears are large and I particularly like the pretty stripes inside their ears. Only the males have horns, which are stout and heavily ringed. They are found in the Horn of Africa and the drier parts of East Africa.

Because they can balance on two legs, they can use their front legs to reach and pull down branches up to eight feet (2.4 m) above ground.

If you want to join in either daily, weekly or just on the odd occasion then please visit Becky, the only rule is that the main photo MUST be a square – that is four equal sides! You have been warned 😉

We’re goin’ to the zoo, zoo, zoo

Day 14

This type of dwarf antelope lives among rock formations in Africa called kopjes, (pronounced ko-pea), a Dutch word meaning “small head.” One the klipspringer’s most notable characteristics is its hooves. Its hooves are small, almost dainty giving it the appearance of standing on its tiptoes, their feet are specially adapted for traction on rocky surfaces, with a slight suction-cup effect.

Klipspringers communicate with whistles when alarmed. They stand still and erect for long periods of time, presumably watching out for predators. They use scent to communicate with outsiders, marking territory with dung piles and excretions from a preorbital gland, a dark, slit-like area beneath each eye.

We’re goin’ to the zoo, zoo, zoo

Day Eight

The bontebok is one of the rarest antelope in South Africa and is characterized by its stylish ring-shaped horns, striking markings on its torso, and distinctive white blaze that runs down the centre of its face.

The white facial markings are known as a threat mask, resembling a medieval knight’s helmet. It is intended to intimidate predators.

We’re goin’ to the zoo, zoo, zoo

Day One

Kirk’s Dik diks / Madoqua kirkii live alone, in pairs, or in small groups of between 3 and 10 individuals. Dik dik pairs choose a territory and may occupy and defend that same territory for life. They are among the smallest antelopes reaching just 40cm at shoulder height.