Klipspringer, Oreotragus oreotragus is a small stocky African antelope reputed for its rock-jumping attribute. The Western Klipspringer, O. o. porteousi, of Nigeria, known for walking on the tips of their hoofs in rocky outcroppings, occurs around the Jos Plateau and also in the east in the Gashaka-Gumpti National Park. The short yellowish hollow coat appears grizzled and the underside is white. They have smallish rounded ears positioned far back on the head, and with noticeable dark inner markings. The last joints of the digits are rotated so they can walk on the tips of their hooves. Walking wears down the hooves giving them a cylindrical shape, which is suitable for a lifestyle on the rocks. Klipspringers weigh between 10 and 18 kg and stand 18 to 23 in. at the shoulder.
Klipspringers graze on grasses but more usually browse on twigs and fruits. They do not usually drink water but instead absorb liquids by eating succulent leaves or by leaking off early morning dew. Gestation period is for 7 months and the lamb, precocial at birth, may live for 15 years in captivity. In Nigeria, a very sparse population of the may still be encountered in the northern section of the Gashaka-Gumpti National park.
