NATURAL HISTORY OF SOUTH AFRICA 



arid parts of the Kalahari, when the sparse and 

 stunted vegetation is dry and shrivelled after a 

 prolonged drought, the Gemsbuck thrives, and even 

 grows fat upon the scanty pickings. Although it 

 will drink if water is available, this antelope is able 

 to exist for long periods without water, and is 

 stated by some authors to be quite independent of 

 it. They usually obtain sufficient water from the 

 wild water-melons which thrive on the sandy wastes, 

 and the watery bulbs which are widely distributed 

 in the dry habitat of the Gemsbuck. These bulbs 

 are dug out of the ground by the animal with its 

 hoofs. 



When wounded and bayed by dogs, the Gemsbuck 

 lies down and uses its horns with terrible effect on 

 any dogs which might venture near. It is stated 

 that even lions have been transfixed by the sharp, 

 straight horns of this antelope. The Lion in its 

 death agony kills the Gemsbuck, and their bleached 

 skeletons bear testimony to the fierceness and deadly 

 nature of the combat. When viewed sideways at 

 a distance, the Gemsbuck appears to possess only 

 one long, straight horn. It is, therefore, thought 

 that the Unicorn of Mythology is this antelope or 

 its near relative the Beisa. 



Old bull Gemsbucks which have been driven off 

 by younger rivals are often met with roaming about 

 alone. 



The flesh of this antelope is excellent ; its 

 skin is remarkably tough and strong, and is much 



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