The Klipspringer, or Ngururu as it is called by the Shona people, plays a very important and significant role in the tribal legend of Zimbabwe. In particular – its cunning, courage and devotion to its mate are held in the highest regard by the paramount chiefs of this land. The Klipspringer is a compact little antelope, weighing around 15 kilograms and standing about 70cm high. The males have widely spaced horns which curve slightly forward. The Klipspringer is perfectly suited to a life on rocky terrain, for its greyish colouring is the ideal camouflage and its small blunt hooves provide a very sure footing. Its coat too is special and is quite unlike that of other antelopes, - being of hollow springy fur, which protects it in its rocky habitat. Klipspringers mark their territory by rubbing scent, from a gland in front of their eye, onto twigs and sticks. They are browsers and feed on leaves, berries, fruit, pods and succulents. They produce a single lamb once a year.
