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This antelope is characterized by the dark red-brown band along its flanks which separates the fawn-brown upperparts from the white underparts. Its hindquarters also appear to be slightly higher than the shoulders. Though both sexes have horns, those of rams are thicker and longer.
When danger looms, springbok have the habit of repeatedly springing up to seven feet in the air (hence their name). This series of springing leaps, called pronking, is a technique used to distract predators, such as cheetahs or lions. When pronking, i.e. jumping with stiff legs and an arched back, the broad white crest on its back can be clearly seen. Springbok prefer open, arid plains, thus occurring in the arid western areas of the southern African subregion. Though normally appearing in small mixed or ram herds, they may congregate in herds of many thousands when moving to new feeding-grounds. Springbok rams are territorial, herding ewe groups in rut. They do not, however, remain on their territories throughout the year. They are active during the cooler daylight hours and also partly at night. Reproduction usually takes place during the rains, a single lamb being born after a gestation period of 168 days. (Afrikaans: Springbok). This graceful gazelle, once found in great numbers in South Africa, has since at least 1906 been considered to be South Africa’s national animal. Read much more about the Springbok here: National Animal of South Africa |
EXTERNAL SITES:
Springbok Photos: 1 2
Springbok @ Etosha - The Living Edens
Springbok Skulls for sale!