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.
Miniature African antelope species
- duikerSmall forest-dwelling African antelope
- gazelleSwift, slender antelope
- impalaLeaping African antelope
- springbokLeaping southern African antelope
bovid · ungulate · hoofed · herbivore · browser · grazer · ruminant · horns
Small rocky hill
- outcropSurfacing native stone
- cliffVertical rock wall
- cragSteep rugged outcrop
- boulderLarge weathered stone
escarpment · ledge · ravine · gorge · precipice · scree · talus · granite
Steady and stable underfoot
- nimbleQuick and light-moving
- leapingSpringing into air
- boundingMoving by leaps
- hoppingLeaping in succession
balanced · acrobatic · agile · spry · lightfooted · fleet · graceful · quick
Walking on foot-fronts
- camouflageConcealment through visual blending
- drought-tolerantAble to withstand aridity
- territorialDefensive about owned space
- monogamousMated to one only
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
kopje
Small rocky hill
boulder · escarpment · ledge · ravine · gorge · precipice · scree · talus · granite · basalt
surefooted
Steady and stable underfoot
hopping · balanced · acrobatic · agile · spry · lightfooted · fleet · graceful · quick · athletic
tiptoeing
Walking on foot-fronts
- camouflageConcealment through visual blending
- drought-tolerantAble to withstand aridity
- territorialDefensive about owned space
monogamous · sentinel · alarm call · vigilant · elusive · cryptic · wary
klipspringerwildebeest
Large African grazing antelope
eland · plains zebra · topi · hartebeest · springbok