Springbok - Antidorcas marsupialis

The springbok is quite a peculiar antelope. It is not a gazelle as it closely resembles the Thomson’s Gazelle found in East Africa. It has a flap of skin on its lower half of the back that distinguishes it from the true Gazelles. The name Springbok comes from Afrikaans and translates to Jumping Antelope, as this species has a special type of jump which is known as pronking, this is when the flap of skin is best observed as it is lifted. 

Springbok live in arid areas of south and southwest Africa in large herds. The Males have a much thicker set of horns to that of the females. It is the national animal of South Africa and also the emblem of the national rugby team.

They are listed as ‘Least Concern’ on the IUCN Redlist and have a positive population trend.