In South Africa the Steenbuck is one of the most abundant small antelope species.
Only rams have slender upright horns, female have no horns. They are a rufous colour and have a gland situated in front of their dark brown eyes which is used to paste its scent onto plants and shrubs.

Rams and ewes defend and share a territory. They are mainly solitary, males mark their territories using a gland under the chin as well as with their urine.
An interesting fact about this antelope is that it is the only bovid which will scrape the ground before and after urination and defecation very much like a cat would cover its faeces.

The most common predators on Steenbuck are Leopard, Caracal, Wild Dog and Cheetah.