habitat_narrative

Terrestrial

Steenbok are well adapted to a range of habitat types, from semi-desert regions to mesic mountainous moorlands, including high altitude areas, such as Mt. Kenya (3,500 m asl) (du Toit 2013). They are generally absent from forests and thick woodland areas (Skinner & Chimimba 2005). Occurring commonly in the drier grasslands, shrublands and savannahs of southern Africa, this species often favours heavily grazed regions with a high concentration of forbs. These areas frequently form around water sources, although they are largely water-independent (IUCN SSC Antelope Specialist Group 2016). However, in Botswana, Steenbok are known to dig up roots, rhizomes and succulent bulbs in order to meet their water requirements in dry conditions (Haim & Skinner 1991). Well adapted to dry habitats, this species exhibits low metabolic rates and high overall minimal thermal conductance, allowing it to conserve water when exposed to high temperatures and extreme environmental conditions (Haim & Skinner 1991). Being one of the smallest ruminant browsers, and thus having high mass-specific metabolic needs, Steenbok are reliant on the year-round availability of high-quality forage resources, including geophytes, berries, flowers, green browse material, and indehiscent pods when green foliage is scarce during the dry season (du Toit 2013). In the Kruger National Park (KNP), they depend heavily on the pods of Acacia tortilis in dry conditions (du Toit 1993) and so their key vegetation types include thorn thickets where they find both food and shelter from predators.

Steenbok of both sexes remain within stable home ranges throughout the year. Territories in the Kuise valley of the Namib were measured as 0.58 km² (Cloete 1983), while in KNP the home ranges of two females were approximately 0.62 km² (du Toit 1990, 1993). They are generally solitary (Skinner & Chimimba 2005), but are not asocial, and are occasionally seen foraging in pairs while the female is in oestrus, or in small groups consisting of an adult male, female and her offspring (Cohen 1997). Steenbok are considered largely diurnal (Stenkewitz et al. 2010), and activity peaks in the early mornings and late afternoons in warm, summer conditions (Walther 1990; Nowak 1991; Skinner & Chimimba 2005). However, nocturnal activity is not uncommon, especially during hot, dry conditions. In fact, in KNP during the dry season, foraging activity constituted 57% of the night, while the majority of diurnal activity included resting and ruminating, and only 33% foraging (du Toit 1993). Giving birth at any time of the year and usually producing a single young, Steenbok exhibit a gestation period of about 168–173 days (Hofmeyr & Skinner 1969).

Ecosystem and cultural services: Although it remains to be investigated, Steenbok consume fruits and pods as an important component of their diet and so it is to be expected that they are significant agents of seed dispersal. Additionally, this is an important prey species for predators such as the Cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus) and Martial Eagle (Polemaetus bellicosus). They are an important component in the roll-out of the “holistic approach” to Damage Causing Animal (DCA) management through the maintenance of natural prey species.