The Athletic Klipspinger

The klipspringer is one of the smallest antelope in Africa. (55 centimetres at the shoulder with an average weight of 12 kilogrammes). They inhabit rocky outcrops, which they claim and mark as their own. Their agility enables them to jump and skip on high, dangerous rocks and balance on precarious sloping angels thanks to their uniquely developed downward-pointing, sharp hooves, which frustrates their predators, including hunters.

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Klipspringers are hard to spot because they live in remote, inaccessible areas and their salt and pepper colouring blends well with the rocks. They are nocturnal and rest during the day. It is exciting to see one, let alone two. I have only managed to capture the elusive buck twice with their mates.

THE KLIPSPRINGERS

At the top of a colossal rock
something catches my eye. 
Zooming in for a better view, 
I spot not just one, but two
klipspringers, a ram, and his ewe.
I am elated to have them in my view,
but they are staring at me too!
Although they are on display, 
I am sure they would rather have me go away!

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Some interesting facts about Klipspringers:-

• once hunted for their fur, which was used to line saddles.
• live in the wild for about 15 years.
• do not eat grass but exist on berries, fruit, flowers, seeds and leaves.
• can go for long periods without water. Liquids are obtained from their diet.
• have long-standing bonds with their mates.
• are not endangered.
• alarm calls are a high-pitched whistle.
• feed in shifts so that one can alert the other.

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But ask the animals, and they will teach you, or the birds in the sky, and they will tell you;
or speak to the earth, and it will teach you, or let the fish in the sea inform you.
Which of all these does not know that the hand of the LORD has done this?
In his hand is the life of every creature and the breath of all mankind.  (Job 12:7-10)

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Thank you for your time. Have an inspired day!

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©️ Caroline Street Art/Poetry/Photography