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Photo Information
Copyright: Guy Castley (Greenie) Silver Note Writer [C: 3 W: 2 N: 16] (68)
Genre: Animals
Medium: Color
Date Taken: 2005-03-25
Categories: Mammals
Camera: Nikon D70 DSLR, Nikkor 70-210mm AF, Kenko Skylight 1A 62mm
Exposure: f/10.0, 1/160 seconds
Photo Version: Original Version
Date Submitted: 2007-02-01 6:54
Viewed: 814
Points: 2
[Note Guidelines] Photographer's Note
This shot was taken of a gemsbok (Oryx gazella) in the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park as the day was drawing to a close. I've sharpened the image a little and cropped the original slightly to remove some of the sky and portion of the riverbed to the right.

The gemsbok is one of the abundant species in the arid landscapes of the Kalahari and this particular ungulate (hoofed mammal) is the most common in the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park. The transfrontier park is a national park that spans international boundaries that is jointly managed by South African (South African National Parks) and Botswanan (Department of Wildlife and National Parks) authorities.

The national parks authorities conduct routine aerial surveys to estimate the numbers of these and other large mammal species in the park flying at low level. Numbers across the entire park are frequently in the region of about 35000 - 40000 (with the bulk of these 25-30000 residing in the more extensive and wooded Botswanan section.

The gemsbok is well adapted to the arid desert environment and will readily make use of a variety of water sources, including the melons that grown in the open dunes (tsama melons and gemsbok cucumbers). A lot of water is also obtained from it predominantly grass diet.

The horns on the gemsbok are indeed impressive and when cornered the gemsbok will lower its head using its horns to protect itself making it a formidable opponent. Both sexes have horns.

The gemsbok is a gregarious species and herds can reach over 50 individuals but they are often just as frequently seen as small family groups.
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Critiques [Translate]

Guy,

Well composed pic with a good POV. The sharpness is little soft but in low light with a moving subject, I can sympothise with you. Let us have some more of your pics please!
TFS,
Sheriff

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