Springbok
Antidorcas marsupialis
The Springbok is a small antelope from southwest Africa that inhabits savannahs and deserts with scrub.
Both sexes have horns, although those of males are larger, more inwardly curved, and thicker, especially at the base.
They perform vertical jumps when nervous, of up to 3.5 metres high, with their legs stretched out. This behaviour is known as “pronking” (meaning to show off) and is thought to distract predators, although it is also performed during the rutting season to impress females.
Springbok predators are cheetahs, leopards, lions, jackals, wild dogs and even hyenas. Jackals and eagles may also prey on their young. When pursued, Springbok can flee very quickly, reaching speeds of up to 90 km/h.
In very dry regions, such as the Kalahari, Springbok can go for long periods of time without drinking, instead drawing water from the plants on which they feed.
- Species
- Springbok
- Length
- 112-127 cm
- Height
- 68-82 cm
- Weight
- 20 and 38 kg
- Speed
- 90 km/h
- Calf
- 1
- Range
- Botswana, Namibia and South Africa.
- Conservation status
- Least Concern
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