Gemsbuck hunting in Zimbabwe

Gemsbuck (Oryx) is a large antelope of the semi-arid Southern African savannas. Both sexes have long sharp spear-like horns, a fawn grey body colour with black and white markings on the legs and face, black side stripes and a long black horse-like tail. In general, the cows have longer horns than the bulls but bulls' horns have more mass around the base. Gemsbuck have been known to impale and kill attacking lions with their strong horns. Gemsbuck is only found in the semi-arid extreme western parts of the country bordering Botswana and therefore only available on a limited number of concessions in Zimbabwe. Gemsbuck has numerous desert adaptations and behavioural patterns. They can raise their body temperatures and by using evaporative cooling by nasal panting and sweating, they are able to reduce their required water intake. When exposed to the sun with no shade, they orientate themselves to present as little as possible of their body surface area to the sun. Apart from their beautiful skins and horns, their meat is also a sought after table delicacy. They are classified as a species of least concern by the IUCN and no special hunting permits are required.