Antelopes graze on grass and leaves, constantly on the alert for predators such as leopards and wild dogs. Their large eyes on the sides of their head give them almost 360-degree vision so they can spot danger while eating. When frightened, some species make a stiff-legged bouncing leap called 'pronking' - scientists think this shows predators 'I am fit and fast, don't bother chasing me'.
The kob is a reddish-brown antelope about the size of a large dog. Male kobs have curved horns that spiral elegantly outward. They gather in herds on open grassland near water. The bushbuck, on the other hand, is a secretive antelope of the forest edges - it has white spots and stripes that camouflage it in dappled forest light, and it tends to live alone rather than in herds.
Antelopes play an important role in the savannah ecosystem. By grazing, they keep the grass short and healthy, which in turn allows new plant growth. Their dung fertilises the soil, and when they die naturally they provide food for vultures, jackals, and other scavengers. Remove antelopes from a savannah and the whole landscape begins to change.