SPRINGBOK Antidorcas marsupialis

Springbok
SPRINGBOK Antidorcas marsupialis
German:Springbock
French:Springbok
Spanish: Gacela saltarina
Breeding
Mating season:
May breed at any time but tied to rains
Gestation:
168 days
Measurements
Total length:
1,12 – 1,27 m (3.7‘ – 4.2‘)
Number of young:
1
Tail:
25 cm (9.8”)
Birth weight:
3,8 kg (8.4 lb)
Shoulder Height:
75 cm (2.5‘)
Sexual maturity:
Male 1 year but mate at 18 – 24 months;
Females can conceive at 6 months
Weight:
26 – 41 kg (57 – 90 lb)
(males slightly larger
and heavier than females.)
Longevity:
One captive 19 years
Springbok main
Photo: Willem Vorster (African Bushman Safaris)
Reintroduced widely
Description
The only gazelle species occurring in
southern Africa. Upperparts, neck and
outer leg surfaces are fawn-brown,
underparts white and on sides a dark
red-brown horizontal stripe separates
them. The face is mainly white with
light brown markings. There is a large
white, long-haired, patch that runs from
rump to mid-back that is usually covered
with brown hair. When alarmed the
“pouch” is opened and the white hairs
stand erect. This is further accentuated
by the animal giving stiff-legged jumps,
with arched back, called pronking or
stotting. Both sexes carry lyrate-shaped
and heavily ringed horns, but those of
ram heavier. White, black and copper
coloured springbok are specifically bred
for the sport-hunting “novelty” market.
Generally “Karoo” and “Kalahari” races
recognised, but much interbreeding
has taken place. “Kalahari” larger and
longer-horned.
Distribution
A near southern African endemic,
extending very marginally into Angola.
Restricted to South Africa, Namibia
and Botswana and has been widely
reintroduced and introduced through the
first two countries. Huntable in the three
Right front, 55 mm (2.2”) Right back, 54 mm (2.1”)
main range states, as well as introduced
populations in Texas (USA).
Conservation standing
Probably between 500,000 and 800,000
animals, many on game ranches.
Habitats
Open, arid plains with grass or low scrub
and can be independent of water, but
will drink.
Behaviour
Normally lives in small herds, but
may gather in the hundreds and even
thousands in some areas. In some areas
of Namibia and Botswana there are
movements related to rainfall and new
plant growth. The smaller herds may
contain rams and ewes but bachelor
herds are common, as are solitary rams.
Rams are territorial during the rut and
they attempt to hold ewe/young groups
within their area. But territories are
generally only held for short periods and
rams then circulate freely. May be active
day and night, but generally lie up during
the hottest hours.
Shot placement
Rifles and Ammunition
Suggested Calibre: .224 to .270.
Bullet: Expanding bullet.
Sights: Medium to high-range variable scope.
Hunting Conditions: Expect medium to longer shots
in open plains.
Food
Mixed feeders taking grass, forbs and
browse.
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Springbok
Springbok ewe with newborn lamb
Adult black springbok ram in veld
Springbok ram
White springbok
210
Game Animals of the World
Springbok may form large herds