Springbok

Springbok

The Springbok (Afrikaans and Dutch: spring = jump; bok = antelope or goat) (Antidorcas marsupialis) is a medium sized brown and white gazelle that stands about 75 cm high. Springbuck males weigh between 33-48 kg and the females between to 30-44 kg. They can reach running speeds of up to 80 km/h. The Latin name marsupialis derives from a pocket-like skin flap which extends along the middle of the back from the tail onwards. When the male springbok is showing off his strength to attract a mate, or to ward of predators it starts off in a stiff-legged trot, jumping up into the air with an arched back every few paces and lifting the flap along his back. Lifting the flap causes the long white hairs under the tail to stand up in a conspicuous fan shape which, in turn emits a strong floral scent of sweat. This ritual is known as pronking which is the Afrikaans word meaning to boast or show off.

Springbok (aka. Springbuck) inhabit the dry inland areas of south and southwestern Africa. Their range extends from the northwestern part of South Africa through the Kalahari desert into Namibia and Botswana. They used to be very common, forming some of the largest herds of mammals ever documented, but their numbers have diminished significantly since the 19th century due to hunting and fences from farms blocking their migratory routes.

Although they were once fairly scarce, Springbok numbers have drastically increased and they are now almost as abundant as before, thanks to conservation and the South African hunting industry.

PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS

Springbok are between 70-80 centimeters tall at the shoulder, depending on the age, weight and gender of the particular antelope, they weigh between 30-44 kg for the females and 33-48 kg for the males. The common springbok coloring consists of three colors, white, reddish/tan and dark brown. Their backs are tan colored and at the bottom they are white, along each side there is a dark brown stripe extending from the shoulder on towards the inside thigh. Black and white springbok are primarily the result of breeding programs.

Rams are slightly larger than ewes and have thick horns, the ewes tend to have skinnier legs and longer, more frail horns. Average horn length for both genders is 35 cm with the record being a female with horns measuring 49,21 cm in length. Springbok tracks are narrow and sharp and are 5,5 cm from point to point.

STATUS

Springbok are hunted as game throughout Namibia, Botswana and South Africa, because of their beautiful coats and because they are very common and easy to support on farms with very low rainfall, which means they are cheap to hunt as well. The export of springbok skins mainly from Namibia and South Africa is also a booming industry.

Conservation methods and responsible hunting restrictions prevent the decrease of numbers and ensure that they aren’t over-hunted.

WEAPONS USED

Springbok are small and not hard to kill. Use a .243 Winchester or 6mm cartridge. A .270 or larger caliber is certainly not “over gunning” when hunting springbok and long shots are a distinct possibility, so a good scope is highly recommended.

For archery hunters, any bow capable of downing a whitetail will work.