STEINBOK 185 



Head of Steinbok. 



STEINBOK (Rhaphiceros campestris). 



Ishah of the Swahilis. Impulupiidi of the Basutos. 



Ingaina of the Swazis. Pkudtthudu of the Bechuanas. 



Timba of the Barotse and Batoka natives. 

 Umgwena of the Matabili. 



As mentioned above, this species is at once distinguished from the 

 grysbok by the absence of the lateral hoofs and the uniform colour 

 of the coat. The general tint of the latter is bright sandy rufous, 

 becoming richer on the head, and frequently with the tip of the muzzle 

 and a horseshoe- mark on the crown brown. Height at withers about 

 19^ inches. Weight about 25 Ibs. 



Distribution. Africa south of the Zambesi on the east, and the Cuneni 

 on the west ; northwards of the Tana to Nyasaland represented by 

 Neumann's steinbok (R. campestris neumanni), distinguished by the 

 absence of dark markings on the head. Probably owing to its 

 small size, the steinbok has managed to escape the fate that has 

 befallen so many of the South African antelopes. Wherever the 

 traveller journeys on the veldt, he is almost certain to meet this 

 species, which may be regarded as the most familiar game-animal 

 of the plains. Like many of its kindred, it is independent of 

 water, and can thus exist in the heart of the Kalahari, where water 

 may not occur for a distance of fully fifty miles. 



