THE STEENBOK 



great endurance they usually give the dogs a good 

 run. 



When put up amongst the scrub they are difficult 

 to shoot, owing to their habit of dodging from side 

 to side amongst the bushes. 



Should water be available, the Steenbok will drink 

 freely, but like many other antelopes, they are quite 

 independent of water for long periods, as is proven 

 by their existence in the depths of the Kalahari. 



They breed most freely during the South African 

 summer and autumn. One fawn is usually pro- 

 duced during the year, but sometimes twins are 

 born. 



Although the Steenbok is abroad by day, and 

 usually in exposed situations, it is still almost as 

 common as the Cape Duiker in South Africa. This 

 is largely, however, owing to farmers strictly pre- 

 serving it upon their lands, and only permitting a 

 limited number to be shot off during the game 

 season. 



In the district of Port Elizabeth and surrounding 

 districts it is common, and if protected on farms 

 for a few seasons it multiplies rapidly. 



All the larger carnivorous animals native to the 

 country prey upon it, and the eagles also take a 

 heavy toll. I saw an Eagle {Spizestus coronatus) 

 stoop at a Steenbok ewe, but the little antelope 

 observing it in time, sprang nimbly aside, and for 

 several minutes it succeeded in successfully dodging 

 this powerful bird of prey. However, the Eagle 



53 



