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Quick answer
The klipspringer (Oreotragus oreotragus) is a tiny African antelope that bounces on rubbery hoof tips across rock faces. Adults weigh about 12 kg, pair for life, and are listed Least Concern.
Top questions about the Klipspringer
Klipspringer facts at a glance
- Weight 12 kg
- Length 80 cm
- Top speed 40 km/h
- Lifespan 12 years
| Scientific name | Oreotragus oreotragus |
|---|---|
| Diet | Herbivore |
| Habitat | Rocky outcrops and hills |
| Lifespan | 10–15 years |
| Weight | 10–14 kg |
| Top speed | up to 40 km/h |
| Conservation status | Least Concern (IUCN) |
| Kingdom | Animalia |
|---|---|
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Mammalia |
| Order | Artiodactyla |
| Family | Bovidae |
| Genus | Oreotragus |
Where it lives
The klipspringer (Oreotragus oreotragus) is native to Rocky hills across eastern and southern Africa. — recorded across Africa in this guide’s range summary.
For occurrence records, see GBIF species search and sources below.
How big is a klipspringer?
An adult klipspringer measures 80 cm long — about 46% of the height of an average adult person (1.73 m) — and weighs around 12 kg, about 17% of an average adult’s body weight (70 kg).
Length vs an average adult’s height (to scale)
What is a group of klipspringers called?
Group name (collective noun)
A group of Klipspringers is called a herd.
Baby name
A baby Klipspringer is called a lamb.
Explore more animal collective nouns and baby animal names .
Hooves like climbing shoes
Cylindrical, rubbery hooves grip smooth rock. Stocky build and coarse, hollow hair insulate against sun and cold on exposed kopjes.
Leaves and lichens on cliffs
Pairs browse leaves, fruit, flowers, and lichens within rock territories they rarely leave. One partner often stands guard while the other feeds.
Rocky hills of sub-Saharan Africa
From Ethiopia and East Africa south to the Cape. Granite and basalt outcrops in savanna and montane zones hold populations.
Secure on the stones
Least Concern where hills remain undeveloped. Snaring and habitat conversion threaten local groups, but cliff refuges protect many pairs.
Explore the Klipspringer
Range & geography
Conservation status of the Klipspringer
The klipspringer (Oreotragus oreotragus) is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. Least Concern (LC) is the IUCN's lowest-risk category, assigned to widespread, abundant species that have been evaluated and found not to be threatened. It does not mean a species faces no pressures — only that it is not currently at risk of extinction.
The klipspringer (Oreotragus oreotragus) is assessed on the IUCN Red List. Look up on the IUCN Red List .
Frequently asked questions about the Klipspringer
How do klipspringers climb so well?
Rounded, rubbery hoof tips act like climbing shoes on smooth rock surfaces.
Do klipspringers live in herds?
Usually monogamous pairs on a cliff territory, sometimes with one offspring.
What does klipspringer mean?
Afrikaans for 'rock jumper' — describing their bouncing escape on boulders.
How big is a klipspringer?
About 50 cm at the shoulder and 12 kg — one of Africa's smallest antelopes.
Where do klipspringers sleep?
On ledges and rock shelves within their territory, using cliffs to avoid predators.
What is a group of klipspringers called?
A group of Klipspringers is called a herd.
What is a baby klipspringer called?
A baby Klipspringer is called a lamb.
Sources & references
This guide is compiled and reviewed against established zoological and conservation references. Key sources for the Klipspringer:
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IUCN Red List of Threatened Species
Conservation status (Least Concern) reflects the IUCN Red List category for Oreotragus oreotragus.
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iNaturalist — observations & photos
Search citizen-science observations and community IDs for Oreotragus oreotragus. Useful for range checks and recent sightings — not a substitute for formal Red List status.
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GBIF — occurrence data
Global Biodiversity Information Facility species search for Oreotragus oreotragus. Explore published occurrence records used in range research.
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Global Animal Guide editorial standards
How we research, source, review, and update every guide for accuracy.
