klipspringer

African cliff dweller

A klipspringer is a small African antelope that inhabits rocky terrain, standing about two feet tall at the shoulder.

The name comes from Afrikaans meaning "rock jumper," reflecting the animal's remarkable ability to navigate steep cliffs and boulders on the tips of its rubbery, cylindrical hooves: We spotted a klipspringer perched impossibly on a granite outcrop.

antelope

dik-dik

Miniature African antelope species

  • duikerSmall forest-dwelling African antelope
  • gazelleSwift, slender antelope
  • impalaLeaping African antelope

springbok · bovid · ungulate · hoofed · herbivore · browser · grazer · ruminant · horns · herd

rocky habitat

kopje

Small rocky hill

boulder · escarpment · ledge · ravine · gorge · precipice · scree · talus · granite · basalt

agility

surefooted

Steady and stable underfoot

hopping · balanced · acrobatic · agile · spry · lightfooted · fleet · graceful · quick · athletic

adaptation

tiptoeing

Walking on foot-fronts

monogamous · sentinel · alarm call · vigilant · elusive · cryptic · wary

Opposites
habitat preference

klipspringerwildebeest

Large African grazing antelope

eland · plains zebra · topi · hartebeest · springbok

Family

spring, sprung, springing, springer

Familiarity
Top 1,000,000
Profile
Used worldwide · Timeless · Concrete · Rated G