The Gemsbok is native to Southern Africa although its name is derived from the European goat-antelope called 'gemsbok' in Dutch. The Gemsbok was introduced to North America from 1969 to 1977. The current population today is around 3,000. The Gemsbok is the largest species in the Oryx or Antelope genus.
Quite possibly the most predominant feature of the Gemsbok is their impressive horns, the horns reach an average of 33 inches in length. At a distance, the only distinguishing feature between male and female gemsbok are the horns. Females tend to have slightly longer and thinner horns. Both the male and female gemsbok utilize their horns for defense.