Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Mammalia
Order: Artiodactyla
Family: Bovidae
Genus: Raphicerus
Species: Raphicerus albus (White Steinbok)
8–12 years (in the wild)
10–15 kg (22–33 lbs)
40–50 cm (16–20 inches) at the shoulder
Activity: Primarily crepuscular (active during dawn and dusk), but may also show some daytime activity during cooler weather or in low-traffic areas.
Feeding Habits: Herbivores – mainly feed on grasses, succulent plants, and shrubs. Known to graze on vegetation at the edges of forests or in open savanna areas.
Social Structure: Usually solitary or found in pairs, although small family groups may be observed. Males are highly territorial, especially during mating season.
Hunting Approach: White Steinboks are not typical hunting targets but may fall prey to larger predators such as cheetahs, jackals, or eagles. They rely on quick, sharp movements and the ability to blend into their environment for escape.
Preferred Habitat: Typically found in dry, scrubby grasslands, open woodlands, and low, rocky hillsides. They are particularly adapted to areas with sparse vegetation, offering plenty of cover from predators.
Water Sources: Generally near dry riverbeds, seasonal streams, or areas with scattered waterholes, though they can survive on minimal water if necessary.
Best Hunting Locations: Steep, rocky terrain with scrubby underbrush or tall grasses, as these provide the best cover for both feeding and evading predators.
Tracks and Trails: Small, cloven-hoofed tracks, often visible in soft or sandy soils near vegetation or water sources.
Signs: Grazed vegetation, tracks along rocky ridges or grass-covered slopes, and droppings found in sheltered areas or near natural cover.
Ideal Hunting Times: Early morning or late evening when the White Steinbok is most active, grazing or moving between hiding and feeding areas.
Breeding Season: Mating occurs in the wet season (December–March). During the rut, males may engage in territorial displays and aggressive behavior.
Trophy Quality: Males typically have small, straight horns, measuring 10–20 cm (4–8 inches). The best trophies are characterized by well-formed, symmetrical horns with a slightly forward curve.
Use of Scent Lures: Scent lures are generally not required for hunting, though calling to mimic the sounds of a rutting male might attract the animals during mating season.
