Nature Comparisons between South Africa and Qatar

	Springbok | Arabian Gazelle | Gemsbok | Oryx | Thorn Tree | Sidra Tree
•	Springbok:
	The Springbok - Antidorcas Marsupialis: The Springbok is the national symbol of South Africa. It prefers the more arid savannahs of the country, moving around at high speeds. In fear of attack, each springbok lets out a high pitched alarm. Typical of this species is the jumping display which lead to its common name. Both sexes have horns but those of the ram are thicker and rougher. Size: The Springbok / Springbuck stand 75 cm high and weighs about 40 kg Lifespan: 10 years Diet: Grasses, Leaves Habitat: Savannah; This species has adapted to the dry, barren areas and open grass plains and is thus found especially in the Free State, North West Province and in the Karoo up to the west coast Socialisation: Springbok are herd animals and move in small herds during winter, but often crowd together in bigger herds in summer. They eat both grass and leaves and can go without drinking-water, because they get enough moisture from the succulent leaves. Where drinking-water is available they will use it. Springbok are fast sprinters. They reach speeds of 80 km/h and jump more than 10 metres. Interesting jumping behaviour can be observed during and after the rare rainfalls. It is believed that for the joy of living, the animals jump up and down like bouncing balls, stretching their front and rear legs simultaneously and bending their heads down. (called 'pronking'). Breeding: Breeding occurs all year round. Each female gives birth to one fawn.
•	Arabian Gazelle:
	Arabian gazelle: The mature female gazelle weighs between 10 and 15 kgs. The male has thick horns while the female's horns are finer and straighter. Gazelles browse on shrubs and graze grasses. The largest population is in the Arabian Oryx Sanctuary (in Oman) and numbers over 10,000 and is the largest single population in the region.
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•	Gemsbok:
	The Gemsbok - Oryx Gazella: The oryx is a large antelope of striking appearance with long, spearlike horns. It has a thick, horselike neck with a short mane and a compact, muscular body. A defined pattern of black markings that contrast with the white face and fawn-colored body are prominently displayed in dominance rituals to emphasize the length of horns and strength of the shoulder. The head is marked with black triangular patches and broad black stripes that extend from the base of the horns over the eyes to the cheeks. A ring of black encircles the throat and runs down the neck to the chest. The ears end in a black tip (a black tassel hangs from the ear tip of the fringe-eared oryx). A narrow black stripe runs along the spine, and another one separates the lower flank from the white underparts of the body. The white forelegs have a black ring above the knee and a black patch below. The black tail tassel reaches to the hocks. The oryx's ringed horns are up to 30 inches long, making them formidable weapons. The female's horns are often longer and thinner than the male's. Size: 153-170cm long, with a 47cm tail, standing 120cm tall at the shoulder. Life span: Up to 18 years (22 in captivity). Habitat: Originally, various oryx species were found in all of Africa's arid regions. One species that occurred on the Arabian Peninsula was exterminated recently but has now been reintroduced into the wild from captive stock. Well adapted to the conditions of their hot, arid habitats, oryx can live as long as 20 years. Diet: Oryx typically feed in early morning and late afternoon and sometimes on moonlit nights. Their diets consists mainly of coarse grasses and browse from thorny shrubs. In desert areas they consume thick leaved plants, wild melons, as well as roots and tubers they dig out of the ground. They may drink if water is available but can survive days or even weeks without it. Plants growing in arid areas inhabited by oryx have also adapted to the hot, dry conditions and either store water or have mechanisms to prevent excess loss. Plants collect dew, gradually releasing it during the hotter parts of the day. Some plants increase their water content by 25 to 40 percent, so when oryx feed late at night or early in the morning, it provides them with both food and water. Predators: Lion, wild dog and hyena. Reproduction: Mating takes place just after calving, and gestation is nine months. A single calf or twins are born, and the mother leaves the herd to give birth in seclusion. The calf is brown all over, and lies still in the grass with the mother returning to feed it 2-3 times per day. Weaning occurs at 4.5 months, at which point the calf develops adult markings, and is ready to join the herd. Females remain with the mother's herd whilst males disperse.
•	Arabian Oryx:
	The Arabian Oryx belong to the antelope family. Of the five types of Oryx in the world, Arabian Oryx live in the hottest, driest environment. Colour: The Arabian oryx is a uniform white, while the flank stripe is absent or only an indistinct smudge. The lower limbs are a chocolate brown to black with the exception of pure white patterns. The face and nose have dark patches and there is often a dark stripe that runs under the neck to the forelegs. In summer dark patches are lighter and often absent altogether. Calves are a uniform brown colour. Weight: Female oryx weigh about 80 kg and males about 90 kg. Occasionally males may reach 100 kg. Age at maturity: Female oryx may conceive at just over 12 months old. Male oryx may be mature by two years but in the face of competition from other males are unlikely to start breeding until at least three years. Birth Season: Oryx may calve in any month of the year but there is a general pattern of births in the winter period December to April. This is thought to be largely the consequence of winter rains influencing conception. Birth rate: Most female will calve annually, provided adequate food resources are present. After 18 months of drought females are less likely to conceive and may be unable to suckle their calves. Births are usually single with only one case of twins since the reintroduction began in 1982. Sex Ratio: Birth sex ratio is usually 50:50 (male: female) and in the wild under normal conditions the sex ratio of the population is 50:50. Gestation Period: Usually about 8.5 months. Life expectancy: In good grazing conditions oryx may live to 20 years. In drought life expectancy is greatly reduced. Causes of death: During drought oryx die from malnutrition and dehydration. Other causes of death have been fighting wounds (amongst males), snakebite, drowning following floods and disease. Male aggression and predation have caused the death of a small number of calves.
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•	Thorn Tree:
	The Thorn Tree: Camelthorn acacia in Hwange National Park. This picturesque tree species is found on the edge of grassland habitats. The umbrella-like silhouette is caused because the tree is only able to branch outwards above the height of tall giraffe necks.
•	Sidra Tree:
	The Sidra Tree: Traditionally the shade of the sidra tree was a retreat for poets and scholars, who gathered beneath its branches to discuss and impart knowledge. The fruit, flowers and leaves of the sidra, whose deep roots allow it to flourish in harsh desert climates, were components in many traditional medicines. All these qualities make the sidra a beloved icon in Qatari history and culture.
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•	Question: How do South Africans generally adapt in Doha?
	Answer: Very good, there is over 2000 of us, and we have various activities (see Social and Coffee Shoppe pages) from time to time. It is really up to the individuals and their own attitudes. This is a friendly environment, different to back home, yet an adventure and new experience.
•	Click here for more answers to Frequently Asked Questions.
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