Klipspringer

Photo by Awaze client Anne Sawvell

The Klipspringer, a small antelope, is found from the highlands of East Africa all the way to South Africa. (Its name derives from an Afrikaans word meaning “rock jumper.”)   
Standing only about 50 centimeters (20”) at the shoulder, the Klipspringer has a vertical leap of more than 3.5 meters (12 feet)!  Its tiny hooves, measuring about 18mm (3/4”) in diameter, act similar to suction cups  allowing the Klipspringer to perch on rocky ledges as small as 40mm (1.5”) across.
Unusual for herbivores, Klipspringers have binocular vision which is thought to be useful for gauging distances and landing areas when leaping.
A pair of klipspringers will bond for life and rarely stray more than 5 or 6 meters from their mate.
Like all dwarf antelopes, Klipspringers have prominent preorbital glands located just below their eyes.  These glands produce secretions which aid in marking territory and communication with other animals.

Klipspringers are frequently seen in Ethiopia’s Simien Mountains and Bale Mountains National Parks.