Oribi hunting in South Africa

The Oribi is considered a rare species in South Africa, due to habitat destruction and competition from other intensively game ranched species. Being one or the largest “Tiny 10” species, this species flourishes in areas with little inter-species competition and therefore predominantly hunted on cattle ranches. Similar in looks to a Steenbuck, they are found in small herds, dominated by a male. Only the males have short straight horns. The habitat favoured by the Oribi is well watered floodplains, open grasslands with marginal to very light bush. Formerly, this species covered a far greater area than exists today. They may be hunted in the Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal and in secluded areas of the Free State provinces. The planting of commercial forests and especially the illegal poaching with dogs has significantly reduced the hunting opportunities for this species in South Africa. Strict quotas and Oribi management conditions are applied by the respective nature conservation authorities. Therefore only a limited number of hunting permits are issued annually. Although classified as a species of least concern by the IUCN, a Threatened or Protected Species (TOPS) permit must be arranged prior to your hunt in South Africa.