Grey rhebok facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Southern Grey Rhebok |
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| A male at the Bontebok National Park, Western Cape, South Africa, | |
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The grey rhebok (also spelled gray rhebuck) is a type of antelope. Its scientific name is Pelea capreolus. In Afrikaans, people call it vaalribbok. These animals live in southern Africa, mainly in South Africa, Lesotho, and Eswatini (Swaziland). The name capreolus means 'little goat' in Latin.
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What Does a Grey Rhebok Look Like?
Grey rheboks are medium-sized antelopes. They usually weigh between 19 and 30 kilograms (about 42 to 66 pounds). They have a long neck and narrow ears. Their fur is short and thick, and it comes in different shades of grey.
Only male rheboks have horns. These horns are straight, sharp, and have rings near the bottom. They are usually about 15 to 25 centimeters (6 to 10 inches) long.
Where Do Grey Rheboks Live?
Grey rheboks mostly live in the higher parts of Southern Africa. They prefer grassy, mountainous areas, often more than 1,000 meters (about 3,300 feet) above sea level. Their woolly grey fur helps keep them warm in the cold.
However, they can also be found in other places. Some live near the coast in the Cape region, almost at sea level.
How Do Grey Rheboks Live and Reproduce?
Grey rheboks protect their living areas, called territories. They mark their territory by urinating and defecating. They also stand tall or walk in a special way to show they are guarding their space.
Male rheboks can become very aggressive during the time they mate. Grey rheboks usually live in groups. A group often has one adult male, along with one to 15 females and their young. This means one male mates with several females.
Grey rheboks have a specific breeding season each year. They are also browsers, which means they eat leaves, twigs, and shrubs. They get most of the water they need from the plants they eat. This allows them to find food far away from rivers or other water sources.
Are Grey Rheboks in Danger?
The grey rhebok is currently listed as "Near Threatened". This means they are not in immediate danger of disappearing, but their numbers are decreasing. Scientists are watching them closely.
Grey Rheboks in Pop Culture
The name of the British-American sportswear company Reebok comes from the Afrikaans spelling of this animal, reebok. In 1958, the company's founder, Joseph William Foster, found the name in a dictionary.
