Springbuck
Springbuck, also known as springbok (Antidorcas marsupialis), stand about 75 cm high. Springbok males weigh between 33-48 kg and the females between 33-44 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 off predators it starts off in a stiff-legged trot, jumping up into the air every few paces with an arched back and lifting the flap along his back. Lifting the flap causes the long white hair 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” (“pronk” being the Afrikaans word for boasting or showing off).
The following kinds of springbok can be found at Otterskloof Private Game Reserve: the common, black, copper-coloured and white Springbok.
Springbok 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 as well as fences on 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.
