Grey (Vaal) Rhebok

The grey rhebok, also known as the grey rhebuck, Vaal rhebok, or Vaalribbok in Afrikaans, is a captivating antelope species native to South Africa, Zimbabwe, Lesotho, and Eswatini. This medium-sized antelope typically weighs between 19 and 30 kilograms and is easily recognizable by its long neck, narrow ears, and short, dense grey coat. Males also sport straight, sharp horns that can grow 15-25 centimeters long.

These antelopes thrive in grassy, mountainous areas, often found above 1,000 meters in elevation, where their woolly grey coats help keep them warm. Grey rheboks are territorial creatures, marking their domain through urination, defecation, and patrolling. During the breeding season, males become particularly aggressive as they gather herds consisting of 1-15 females and their young, establishing a polygynous mating system.

The breeding season for grey rheboks runs from January to April. After a gestation period of about seven months, a single calf is typically born in late spring or summer. These animals are primarily browsers, feeding on leaves, twigs, and other high-growing vegetation. They obtain most of their water from their food, which allows them to survive in areas far from standing water.

The grey rhebok is currently classified as Near Threatened. While there are at least 2,000 individuals in protected areas, estimates suggest there could be up to 18,000 in unprotected regions. However, exact numbers remain uncertain due to a lack of comprehensive surveys across their range.

Interestingly, the name of the British-American sportswear company Reebok comes from the Dutch spelling "reebok" which refers to a mature male rhebok.