 The Springbok is the national symbol of
South Africa. It prefers the more arid savannahs of the country, moving around at high
speeds.
In fear of attack, each springbok lets out a high pitched alarm. Typical of this species
is the jumping display which lead to its common name. Both sexes have horns but those of
the ram are thicker and rougher.
Size: The Springbok / Springbuck stand 75 cm high and weighs about 40 kg
Lifespan: 10 years
Diet: Grasses, Leaves
Habitat: Savannah; This species has adapted to the dry, barren areas and open
grass plains and is thus found especially in the Free State, North West Province and in
the Karoo up to the west coast
Socialisation: Springbok are herd animals and move in small herds during winter,
but often crowd together in bigger herds in summer. They eat both grass and leaves and can
go without drinking-water, because they get enough moisture from the succulent
leaves. Where drinking-water is available they will use it.
Springbok are fast sprinters. They reach speeds of 80 km/h and jump more than 10 metres.
Interesting jumping behaviour can be observed during and after the rare rainfalls. It is
believed that for the joy of living, the animals jump up and down like bouncing balls,
stretching their front and rear legs simultaneously and bending their heads down. (called
'pronking').
Breeding: Breeding occurs all year round. Each female gives birth to one fawn.
See Springbok at Game Reserves and Game Lodges in:
Eastern
Cape · Limpopo · North
West · Mpumalanga · Gauteng
· Free
State
KwaZulu
Natal · Western Cape · Garden
Route · Northern Cape · Namibia
· Botswana
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