KENYA: The Nimble Klipspringer

We were following a twisting circuit along the Chaimu lava flow when we sighted a lone Klipspringer poised in the open. It stood like a statuesque sentinel against the blue sky. For a moment I thought it was sculpted right out of the gray and brown folds of rock upon which it stood, as its coat matched so perfectly. Could its cryptic coloration be an adaptation to the color of the lava flow? Though there is considerable regional variation in color amongst Klipspringers, we discussed this evolutionary possibility.

Klipspringers are often seen in pairs though it can be difficult to identify their gender. We assumed that this was a male since it had two short spiked horns, but females of this particular East African race can also have horns. When it moved from its exposed post, dropping down behind a ridge of lava and joining its mate, we realized that it was probably a female, as its mate had longer spiked horns.

Amongst antelopes, the small Klipspringer has several unique adaptations that enable it to live on rocky outcroppings, though they will occasionally leave the rocks to feed on freshly sprouted grasses. They do not need to drink, getting enough moisture from evergreen shrubs, euphorbias, aloe, sanservieria, fruits and berries upon which they feed.

As one can see from the upper photograph, their front legs form an almost straight line leading to very small, stiletto-like truncated hooves. These are rubbery underneath ensuring that they do not slip as they jump from rock to rock.

Unlike other antelopes, Klipspringers have forward-facing eyes, as opposed to eyes on the sides of their head. This allows them to have binocular vision, much like we do, in order to better judge distances. Their coat is very thick, containing brittle hairs that are hollow and loose. This anti-predator adaptation means that predators can easily lose their grip on the loose hairs. The thick coat and hollow hairs have the added function of insulating the animal against extreme heat and cold, as harsh climates are common on hilly terrains. We watched this pair gazing at us until they jumped nimbly out of sight.