SPRINGBUCK COMMON

When it comes to African wildlife that a person really must see, the springbok should make it to the top of your list. These beautiful animals, which are similar to the impala in appearance, exhibit a grace and dignity that is absolutely breathtakingly. The springbok is a member of the antelope/gazelle family and one of the most numerous of the family as they are a crafty sort that are challenging to hunt.

Here are some interesting facts about the springbok that you may not know.

*Both the male and female springbok have horns. The male’s horns tend to be thicker, but the females are usually longer.

*The springbok is recognizable by its white face and striking dark red or brown band around the flank. The rest of this animal is brown in color. There are color variations of Springbuck: Black Springbok; White Springbok, Coffee color Springbok etc.

**The natural habitat of the springbok is in the dry grasslands of South Africa, where they enjoy an arid climate and plentiful vegetation for feeding.

*The springbok can go entire seasons, or even years, without drinking, since their water needs are met by the water in the vegetation that they eat. The springbok is an herbivore, existing primarily on grasses, leaves, and other small plants.

*The Latin name for this animal is marsupialis and comes from a pocket-like skin flap which extends along the middle of the back from the tail onwards.

*When the male springbok is showing off his strength to attract a mate (pronking), or to ward off predators, he starts off in a stiff-legged trot, jumping up into the air with an arched back every few paces and lifting the flap along his back. This skin flap extends along the midline of the back from the tail. In fact, it is this physical feature that distinguishes the springbok from true gazelles. Lifting the flap causes the long white hairs under the tail to stand up in a conspicuous fan shape, which in turn emits a strong floral scent of sweat.

*Springboks live in herds and they are some of the largest herds in the animal world.

*The springbok is the national animal of South Africa.

*The springbok can run up to 55 miles per hour and can leap up to 3.5 meters. They are also great at the long jump, able to go 15 meters in one jump.