The springbok Antidorcas marsupialis
The springbok is a medium-sized gazelle-like antelope weighing 30 to 45 kg and standing 70 to 90 cm at the shoulders. Both males and females have lyre-shaped horns. Most striking feature of the springbok is a fold of skin that runs from the mid-back to the base of the tail. There is a crest of dazzling-white hair inside the fold, and the skin in this area is rich in glands. When the animal is calm, the fold is closed and not visible, but if threatened, the springbok starts demonstrating stotting behaviour which comprises several consecutive stiff-legged jumps, up to two meters high. While jumping, the animal lowers the head and arches its back, which makes the fold open and white crest of hair raise. The springbok makes a number of jumps which serve as an alarm signal for all the inhabitants of savannah including other springboks.
Springbok range includes southern Africa but it was almost completely exterminated in Angola, where it survives in greatly reduced numbers within some wildlife parks and game reserves.
Typical habitats of the springbok are presented by arid short-grass semi-deserts with rocky or sandy soils and sparse shrubs; these antelopes tend to avoid tall grasses and deserts. They may hide in dense shrubs only in winter, trying to find protection from cold winds, and can survive without drinking water through several months. The springboks live in small groups or in herds of 5 to 50 animals. Springbok herds often join other species of antelopes or even ostriches. Rut occurs in February through May; gestation lasts about 170 days and results in the birth of one calf (sometimes two calves are born).
