The Springbok (Antidorcas marsupialis) is a medium-sized antelope endemic to the arid plains and dry savannas of southern Africa and is the national animal of South Africa. It is the sole living member of its genus, closely related to true gazelles, and is found primarily across the Kalahari Desert, Karoo, and surrounding grasslands. This species is adapted to thrive in environments with scarce water and is known for its agility and distinctive physical features.
General Size and Structure
The Springbok possesses a slender physique built for speed and endurance across open landscapes. At the shoulder, the average adult stands between 71 and 86 centimeters (28 to 34 inches) tall. This relatively small stature, combined with long, delicate legs, contributes to its agility.
The weight varies, with males (rams) generally heavier and more robust than females (ewes). Males typically weigh between 33 and 50 kilograms (73 to 110 pounds), while females range from 27 to 37 kilograms (60 to 82 pounds). Their overall body length spans approximately 120 to 150 centimeters (47 to 59 inches).
Defining Coloration and Striping
The coat of the Springbok displays a striking tri-color pattern that offers effective camouflage. The upper back and neck are covered in a rich reddish-brown or cinnamon-tan coat that blends with the dry earth. This warm upper color sharply contrasts with the bright white fur covering the belly, chest, and inner legs.
Separating these two large color fields is a prominent, deep reddish-brown or black lateral stripe that runs horizontally along the flank, extending from the foreleg to the hind leg. The face is predominantly white, featuring dark stripes that stretch from the corner of each eye down toward the muzzle. A white patch also marks the rump, enhancing the animal’s visibility to others in its herd.
Horn Structure and Sexual Differences
Both male and female Springboks possess horns, though they differ noticeably in structure. These black horns are ringed with distinctive ridges and display a lyrated, or S-shaped, curve when viewed from the side. They begin straight at the base, curve backward, and then hook slightly inward at the tips.
Male horns are thicker at the base, more robust, and generally longer, reaching lengths between 35 and 50 centimeters (14 to 20 inches). Female horns are typically thinner, more delicate, and sometimes shorter than those of the males. The presence of horns in both sexes means that size and thickness are the primary indicators of gender in this species.
The Unique Pronking Display
A defining visual characteristic of the Springbok is its famous leaping display, known as “pronking” or “stotting.” During this behavior, the animal executes a stiff-legged, vertical leap high into the air, often reaching two to four meters (6 to 13 feet) in height. The back is characteristically bowed and arched during the jump, and the legs are held rigidly straight.
The pronking action causes a unique feature on the animal’s back to open. A fold of skin running along the spine, sometimes called a dorsal fan or pouch, opens to reveal a crest of long, pure white hair. This sudden flash of white hair is a distinct visual signal, making the animal more conspicuous during its leap.