The first thing that came to mind when I saw that this week’s photo challenge was “unique”, was the photograph below of a Gemsbok with only one horn. Not only do Gemsbok have very unique facial markings, they all have exceptionally long sweeping horns. With which they create wonderful geometrical patterns when they are standing together in a group (see here). Usually they have two of them though – this Gemsbok has lost one of its horns.
A Kalahari unicorn? ©Theo van Zyl/notesfromafrica.wordpress.com
Gemsbok with both horns intact. ©LB/notesfromafrica.wordpress.com
A magnificent sculpture at the Kglagadi Tranfrontier Park gate of Gemsbok (the female with the thinner longer straight horns). ©LB/notesfromafrica.wordpress.com
To join in the fun go to Weekly Photo Challenge: Unique.
Notes from Africa 
Damn, Lisa, I had forgotten about the patterns made with the horns. Amazing, isn’t it? Those photos from your previous post about Gemsbok, truly, are stunning!
Hugs,
Kathy
Whenever I see the Gemsbok, I think of your artwork! You could have painted the facial designs. 🙂
Wonderful interpretation of “unique”!
I wonder why that guy had lost a horn. Do they naturally shed them like deer?
Thanks Jackie! No, as far as I know Gemsbok don’t shed their horns. This one probably lost his horn during a fight.
Poor guy must feel a bit unbalanced.
I haven’t been able to find out if they ever grow back. Somehow I don’t think so.
Great interpretation of the theme. I also had the same question as Jackie about why he may have lost his horn.
Thank you, Jolene! The buck most probably lost it in a fight.
Such gorgeous animals! And great pics
Thanks, they are gorgeous aren’t they? I wonder how something like this evolves?
Good question….they almost seem like odd one outs in the bush with those distinct colours. What always amaze me is how these animals, including kudu’s can just blend in with the bush!
Yes, exactly! This is the last “design” I’d think of as camouflage.
Truly unique! Love this take on the “unique” theme. Will be checking out your other posts now that I’ve stumbled upon your blog.
I’m glad that you did find my blog. Thanks for visiting and for your kind comment! 🙂 Two posts to check out, if you want a guide to my “best” posts are:
7 Links: A Peek Into My Archives
Looking back – what did you miss?
Yup, I’ve read the 7 Links. I’d check the other one now. Thanks!
Congratulations on a brilliant interpretation of the theme Lisa! I definitely agree that to see a gemsbok with one horn is like photographing a UNICORN!
Thanks Rosie! If you have ever seen a photo of Gemsbok taken from the side with the two horns lined up, it also looks as if they have one horn.
Excellent shot, truly unique. I’ve made up my own story that this animal lost his horn in a great life and death battle! Question, are gembok the same as an oryx?
Your story is probably very close to the truth. These animals get into quite violent fights with each other.
Yes, “Gemsbok” or “Gemsbuck” are a species of Oryx. You can read more about them here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gemsbok
C’mon everyone, the ‘unicorn’ does not deserve its name 🙂 ! ‘A rose by any other name . . .’! What a handsome beast. as they all are!! Fancy not having to stand at the Estee Lauder counter to achieve half this effect!
Hi Eha! Feeling a bit dull today – I don’t understand your comment about the unicorn.
They are very majestic animals. Often stand up on the sand dunes silhouetted against the sky.
Sorry: just thought that since the poor guy had obviously ‘lost’ the other horn, perhaps it was unfair to call him a unicorn . . . 🙂 ! Such a handsome fellow!!
No worries. 🙂 Just thought you might know something about unicorns or Gemsbok (Oryx) which I didn’t! I read somewhere that Oryx was considered to maybe be one of the origins of the unicorn myth because when you see them side on, their two horns line up like a unicorn horn.
A Kalahari Unicorn – I love that!
Well-spotted. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a gemsbok with one horn. Perhaps they don’t get into many fights with other males?
I’d think it’s just that they don’t break their horns that often. Re: Kalahari unicorn – see this comment https://notesfromafrica.wordpress.com/2013/02/04/weekly-photo-challenge-unique/#comment-7477