KLIPSPRINGER

The Klipspringer (Oreotragus oreotragus) is a small antelope. Klipspringer translated directly means “rock jumper” in the Afrikaans language. Their coat is a yellow-brown and their ears are encircled in black. They are preyed on by Lions, Cheetahs, Humans and Eagles as they are quite small.They are humble creatures and will look out for other klipspringers nearby for instance: when one is eating, the other will stand and keep look out for predators that may be nearby. They travel in pairs mostly and they mate for life.

Additional information

Mount Type

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Facts

• Their gestation period is 214 days.
• If in danger, the female usually leads the get-away gallop.
• They are preyed on by cheetahs, eagles and baboons.

Taxidermy

Thorough preparation is the key factor to ensuring a high-quality final product. All hides are tanned and oiled using the world’s very best available chemicals and processes to ensure permanence and longevity.Forms are selected to ensure the best fit and posture will be altered to suit you, the client’s preference without additional cost. Natural habitat bases are custom-made for full mount trophies without additional cost.Only the finest materials and 40 years of professional experience are used in defining your trophies in a whole new way. The final trophies are almost Life-Formed. When the restoration is required, every effort is made to repair cuts and abrasions, and to minimise bullet damage. Natural scarring is kept unless otherwise requested.

Habitat

The Klipspringer is the only antelope that lives on cliffs and Rocky Mountains or outcrops. It can be found in East Africa, South Africa, and the Cape of Good Hope mostly, and in Ethiopia.Their diet consists of grasses, leaves, some fruit and roots. They do not need to drink as they get their moisture from their diet although salt is quite important.

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Professional Klipspringer Taxidermy in South Africa

Its stocky shape, with large hips and back legs, is an adaptation for its rocky habitat. The klipspringer is characterised by a short neck and a nearly nonexistent tail. It has a weight range of 23-28 pounds and a height of roughly 23 inches at the shoulder. Ewes, in contrast to males, are slightly bigger and heavier overall. Male African klipspringers are the only ones with horns, which can reach a length of four to six inches.

The guard hairs on its underside are brittle and packed with air, creating a dense underfur. The outer fur coat can be a variety of colours, including grey, brow, and tan, and it acts as camouflage against a variety of predators such jackals, leopards, caracals, and hyenas. The young of the African klipspringer are easy targets for baboons and eagles.

African klipspringers are unique among antelopes in that they walk about on the tips of their hooves. This allows them to stand firmly with all four hooves on a rock no bigger than an eating dish. They can outpace their predators on cliff faces and rough terrain, and they can take refuge in the rocks.

 

Hunting Klipspringer in South Africa

If you’re hunting klipspringer in Africa, keep an eye out for signs that the animal is scared and on the move. It, like many other antelope species, frequently pauses to turn around and take a look at its pursuers. There will be a chance for a shot if the hunter is ready. It is  best to sneak up on it slowly.

This antelope is a challenging hunt. Rough terrain and their keen eyesight make it tough to sneak up on them. Many hours of an African klipspringer hunt will be spent peering through binoculars at rocky outcroppings and cliff sides for signs of these little antelope.

While any appropriate 22 centre fire with a 45 to 55 grain bullet can do, hunting klipspringer is generally accomplished with bigger calibers. These higher calibers with soft, rapidly expanding bullets will undoubtedly damage the cape. The .223 with military-issue FMJ rounds would be a good alternative. As regards shot placement, if utilising expanding bullets, aim well behind the shoulder. It is best to keep your sights forward if you’re going for solids. If you need to shoot at an angle, try to avoid hitting the shoulder or the front of the leg. If you must shoot from the front, avoid the spine and aim for the brisket in the lower chest, between the legs.

 

What is Klipspringer Taxidermy?

South African Klipspringer taxidermy refers to the preservation of a Klipspringer’s skin and body. The skin is tanned and then put on a form that resembles the animal in a stance as close to the genuine thing as achievable. The completed mount may be displayed as art, utilised as an educational tool, or retained as a trophy.

At Life-Form, we define authenticity as the degree to which our trophies, both in terms of their outward appearance and their tactile qualities, are nearly indistinguishable from the real thing. Good preparation is the essential to creating a great taxidermy mount of a Klipspringer. Using over 40 years of experience and the finest possible materials, we create trophies that will endure for generations.

 

Skin Preparation for a Flawless Klipspringer Trophy

In South Africa, preparing an impala skin for taxidermy is a delicate procedure that calls for attention to detail and the right techniques to achieve the greatest possible result.

The removal of the impala skin from the animal as quickly as possible after it has been killed is the first step in the process of preparing an impala skin for taxidermy. This helps to ensure that the skin does not become spoiled. It is important to ensure that the skin is taken off in one continuous piece, encompassing the head and the legs.

Step two is to salt the skin. This will aid in drying out the skin in preparation for taxidermy. Particular attention should be paid to the ears and nose, which tend to degrade faster than the rest of the body, while applying salt to the skin. After that, the skin needs to dry for a few days.

After treating dry skin, you should give it a thorough cleaning to eliminate any dirt and debris that may still be present. This can be remedied with the use of a soft brush or a damp cloth. Now is the time to get rid of any and all signs of salt. Hang the skin so that it can dry completely for a few days.

 

The Klipspringer Taxidermy Process and Methods

Consultation with our clients and careful planning make a great trophy. We chemically treat or tan the skin to prevent dryness and maintain pliability.

We build a taxidermy mount mould. This foam or fibreglass mannikin must match the impala’s proportions and profile.

We gently sew the skin onto the mould, aligning seams and patterns. Stretching the skin tightly over the mannikin prevents wrinkles and gives a natural aspect.

A cast of the eye socket is used to mount glass or plastic eyes.

After that, we arrange the fur and add any additional details to make the impala look real. As a result of this, it is possible that the mount will require the addition of horns, teeth, hooves, or some other feature.

 

Taking Care of Your Klipspringer Trophy

Be sure to regularly inspect the trophy for any degradation or damage. As soon as problems are identified, they should be resolved to prevent further loss of functionality. You may be confident that Medix Africa will keep your trophy in good shape. Life-Form Taxidermy endorses and sells this item.

The trophy should be displayed outdoors, but out of direct sunshine and at a moderate temperature. If at all possible, keep it away from moisture sources.

When the the trophy is n store, make sure it is out of direct heat and sunshine. Do not store the trophy in a moist or humid environment, since this could promote the growth of mould or mildew.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

 

How Much Does a Klipspringer Trophy Cost?

The complexity of your taxidermy request, the number of trophies you want mounted, and the type of mount will determine your trophy’s pricing. Get the best South African prices by contacting us.

 

How Long does a Klipspringer Trophy Take?

The time it takes to mount an animal can range anywhere from a few days to almost 18 months, depending on the complexity of the mount, the taxidermist’s workload, and the customer’s suggestions for display.

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