Springbok

Springbok by Jordan Springer The Springbok is one of the most popular and well-known animals in South Africa. In fact, the national rugby team is named after them, and the animal was a symbol of the country during apartheid rule. However, although there is only one national rugby team, there are multiple variations of the real Springbok, a small type of antelope. They are categorized by their color and size, which has changed according to the environment. Of the three; the white, the black, and the normal, only the normal lives in South Africa. The normal Springbok, also known as Antidorcas marsupialis marsupialis, has a clever color scheme for its plain home. Its back from the Springbok’s tail to its snout is a light tan/khaki color. A dark brown stripe between legs separates the tan from the stark white of the Springbok’s stomach. Interestingly enough, both genders of Springbok have long, curving horns. However, the males’ tend to be thicker than those of the females. The same is true of Springbok legs. Although the classification of the animal includes “marsupial” Springboks are not marsupials. They have an organ that is hidden under a flap of skin and only displayed during a certain type of jumping. It is generally used as an extreme display of emotion to others, whether it be one of love or of anger.

In general, the Springbok live in herds. These herds change in size over the course of the year, growing in size in summer and becoming smaller in the winter. Although they used to migrate in herds of over one million, the herds are now much smaller and are confined to areas such as game reserves. Those large herds were known as “trekbokken.” Nevertheless, the herds of Springbok prevail, albeit smaller than before. The herds, for the most part, are based on a single male or female. When it is breeding season, herds are composed of a male, his females, and their offspring. However, “bachelor herds” are formed. Bachelor herds are formed all of males who are too immature to form their own groups. Springboks, like humans, are born one by one. Like lions, the young are hidden for a few days until they are ready to emerge, and they join the herd at about six months. After a year for females and two for males, the Springbok are ready to reproduce. They do so every two years.

As previously stated, Springbok now live on private land. All Springbok live in the southern region of Africa in the semi-arid areas. These are large, open, and especially dry plains. The animals live in the Southern part of Africa, their range extending only from northwest South Africa to its neighboring nations of Namibia and Botswana. For the most part, Springbok are peaceful animals. Their diet consists entirely of plants. What they eat depends on what their surroundings are like. During drier times, Springbok chomp on watery plants like flowers. They can actually use this to go for a while without drinking water, which is helpful in a dry place, such as the entire continent of Africa. When there is more water available, Springbok switch to their main source of food: grass. This is abundant in the plains of Africa. Because the grass is not as water-rich as the other plants they sometimes eat, Springbok will also drink whatever water they can find. As is implied by their eating of plants, Springbok are grazing animals. This means that they are often targeted by other animals. Their main predators include many well-known big cats. However, their main threat lies not in the natural world, but in the one we have created for ourselves. Springbok used to be, and still are, hunted as game in Africa. This is what resulted in their range being so small. Despite this, the animals are still thriving and do not need conservation.