Status: Least Concern
Habitat: Dry Plains of Southern Africa
DAK Locale: Kilimanjaro Safari
Springbok were a national symbol in South Africa and were often used as mascots for teams in that area. It's the symbol of South African airlines, it appears on the reverse side of the Krugerrand, and is the name of the national rugby team. Much of that has changed since the end of apartheid, but it still appears nationally in some forms. It is very plentiful, numbering about 2.5 million individuals in South Africa alone. The antelope is also plentiful in Namibia and Botswana.
In appearance, springboks look much like Thompson's gazelles, although slightly larger with more elaborately twisted horns. The animal is well known for one particular display called pronking. It is a display that apparently shows nervousness perhaps indicating to nearby predators that they have been spotted. It is also used by males to show strength. When pronking, the antelope leaps stiff-legged into the air.
Bachelor males and females form herds. These groups are separated by territorial males who control the groups of females in their area. Once weaned, females continue to stay in their mother's herd. Males join bachelor groups.
Springboks are a common prey for lions, leopards, and hyena. They are also hunted by cheetahs, jackals and caracals. The springbok is doing fairly well and is considered to have an expanding population.
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