#transvaal klipspringer

[inatungulates]

Transvaal klipspringer Oreotragus oreotragus transvaalensis

Observed by pvanthull, CC BY-NC

[thegreatprinceoftheforest]

Transvaal Klipspringer | tjeerddw

[inatungulates]

Transvaal klipspringer Oreotragus oreotragus transvaalensis

Observed by wayneosborn, CC BY-NC

This photo clearly shows the unusual hooves of the klipspringer. The phalanges are rotated so that these small antelope walk on their hooftips. The hooves are fairly soft, although the edges are harder, which allows good traction on the rocky outcrops, cliff faces, and scree slopes where klipspringers live. The tiny area of the hooves, coupled with their straight but highly flexible limbs, means they are capable of placing all four hooves together in a very small area - I have heard it said klipspringers can stand with all four hooves on a quarter, but I'm not quite sure I believe that.

[inatungulates]

Transvaal klipspringer Oreotragus oreotragus transvaalensis

Observed by drmckenzie, CC BY-NC

[inatungulates]

Transvaal klipspringer Oreotragus oreotragus transvaalensis

Observed by cbarry3, CC BY-NC

[inatungulates]

Transvaal klipspringer Oreotragus oreotragus transvaalensis

Observed by larantoniades, CC-BY-NC