Springbok
Springbok are the most abundant plains antelope in southern Africa and is the National Animal of South Africa. They have a cinnamon-brown upper body and a white under body which is separated by a dark reddish brown band running horizontally foreleg to hind leg. A white rump patch continues over the tail into a fan-shaped crest with hair that can stand erect 3 – 5 inches long which is normally contained in a skin fold. A scent gland underlies the crest of hair which produces a yellow, oily, secretion. Springbok also have hoof glands in all their feet. They drink daily when water is available while feeding on grasses during the summer and shrubs during the winter. Springbok primarily graze on tender grasses and also browse shrubs and succulents.
Body Length: 48 – 54 inches
Shoulder Height: 29 - 35 inches
Tail Length: 6 – 12 inches
Male Weight: 65 - 105 pounds
Female Weight: 57 – 95 pounds
Horns: Hooked tips curved inward horns. Males 13 – 20 inch long ringed horns while females have thinner and shorter horns.
Gestation period is 6 – 7 months where they will birth one calf. Females reach sexual maturity at 12 months of age with males at 2 years of age.
Last Update 2014