This photograph shows a small herd of gemsbok running on one of the countless red sand dunes in western Namibia. I took the shot from a small microlight airplane on our annual Namibia Untamed photo tour. Gemsbok are the largest species in the Oryx genus. They stand about 1.2 m (3.9 ft) at the shoulder. The body length can vary from 190 to 240 cm (75 to 94 in). Male gemsbok can weigh between 220 and 300 kg (490 and 660 lb). Gemsbok live in herds of about 10–40 animals, which consist of a dominant male, a few nondominant males, and females. They are mainly desert-dwelling and do not depend on drinking water to supply their physiological needs - perfect for the desert. They can reach running speeds of up to 60 km/h (37 mph). Female gemsbok use their horns to defend themselves and their offspring from predators, while males primarily use their horns to defend their territories from other males. Unfortunately, gemsbok are widely hunted for their spectacular horns that average 85 cm (33 in) in length. If you would like to join me in a few weeks on this year's Namibia Untamed tour and learn more about landscape and night photography, then you're in luck: due to a cancellation we have one opening again, and we offer a 500 Euro Last Minute discount as an extra incentive! If you're interested, and of course you are, please check out our website for more information: Squiver Photo Tours & Workshops We were the first company to offer specialized photography tours to Namibia, and we are still the only one that offers microlight flights over the famous Namibian sand dunes. There is no better organized Namibia tour out there. Hope to see you there! Marsel ©2014 Marsel van Oosten, All Rights Reserved. This image is not available for use on websites, blogs or other media without the explicit written permission of the photographer. via 500px http://ift.tt/1iCxFeE
