NATURAL HISTORY OF SOUTH AFRICA 



They associate in pairs or in small parties of four 

 or five, which, on being disturbed, make off either 

 in pairs, or a pair and the last fawn. 



When pursued the Cape Oribi races away at a 

 very rapid pace for thirty or forty yards, and then 

 begins a series of springs into the air, alighting each 

 time on the hind-feet first. This manoeuvre is for 

 the purpose of getting a general view of the sur- 

 roundings, and the nature and exact locality of the 

 foe. If the Oribi sees any one at a distance approach- 

 ing, it will usually lie down, trusting to its resem- 

 blance to its surroundings to escape observation. 

 Advantage is taken by the hunter of this habit, 

 and by manoeuvring around them and gradually 

 diminishing the distance, he is able to approach 

 within easy rifle range. At other times they are 

 hunted on horseback, and the moment one starts 

 from cover the hunter quickly dismounts and fires. 

 Should one of these antelopes be wounded, it will 

 make off for some distance, and then quietly lie down 

 and hide. The flesh of the Oribi is considered very 

 good venison, but, like the meat of many other 

 antelopes, it is deficient in fatty tissue, and requires 

 special treatment in the cooking process. 



The Oribi is a grass feeder, and is seldom found 

 far from water. The call is a thin, shrill whistle. 



The fawns are usually born about Christmas- 

 time, although breeding also occurs in October and 

 November. 



The skin of the Oribi is covered with thick, soft 

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