Springbok
Antidorcas marsupialis
Quick answer
The springbok is a medium-sized antelope and South Africa's national animal, known for pronking — stiff-legged leaps that flash a white rump patch. Weighing 30–50 kg (66–110 lb), living about 10 years, and reaching 88 km/h, it thrives in arid grasslands of southern Africa.
Springbok facts at a glance
| Scientific name | Antidorcas marsupialis |
|---|---|
| Diet | Herbivore — grasses, shrubs, and succulents |
| Habitat | Arid and semi-arid grasslands of southern Africa |
| Lifespan | 10–12 years in the wild |
| Weight | 30–50 kg (66–110 lb); rams slightly heavier |
| Top speed | Up to 88 km/h (55 mph); pronking leaps up to 2 m high |
| Conservation status | Least Concern (IUCN) |
| Kingdom | Animalia |
|---|---|
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Mammalia |
| Order | Artiodactyla |
| Family | Bovidae |
| Genus | Antidorcas |
Where it lives
Arid grasslands and shrublands of Namibia, Botswana, South Africa, and Angola — national symbol of South Africa.
What is a group of springboks called?
Group name (collective noun)
A group of Springboks is called a herd.
Baby name
A baby Springbok is called a lamb.
Explore more animal collective nouns and baby animal names .
Distribution and habitat
Springboks live in Arid grasslands and shrublands of Namibia, Botswana, South Africa, and Angola — national symbol of South Africa. Preferred habitat includes arid and semi-arid grasslands of southern africa. Across Africa, population density reflects prey availability, water access, and human disturbance. Protected areas and wildlife corridors remain essential for long-term persistence.
Physical traits and behaviour
Springboks typically reach about 1.5 m in length and 40 kg in weight, with top speeds near 88 km/h. South Africa's pronking antelope. Daily activity, social structure, and seasonal movements reflect pressures in their native environment.
Diet and ecological role
Springboks feed on herbivore — grasses, shrubs, and succulents. Foraging shifts with season and local abundance. As mammals, they influence food webs — controlling prey, dispersing seeds, or shaping habitat through feeding and movement.
Conservation and coexistence
Listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. Habitat loss, hunting, and climate change threaten many populations. Responsible ecotourism and community conservation help in parts of their range. Never approach or feed wild springboks.
Human interest and research
Springboks feature in folklore, tourism, and scientific study worldwide. Ongoing research tracks population trends, genetics, and responses to environmental change — data that guides national protection policies.
Dig deeper into the Springbok
- How Fast Is A Springbok
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- How Long do Springbok Live?
Dig deeper into springbok — how long do springbok live.
- Springbok Facts 5
Dig deeper into springbok — springbok facts 5.
- What do Springbok Eat
Dig deeper into springbok — what do springbok eat.
- Where do Springbok Live?
Dig deeper into springbok — where do springbok live.
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Range & geography
Did you know? Springbok facts
- Springbok are medium-sized antelope known for pronking — stiff-legged leaps that may signal fitness to predators.
- Pronking may warn predators the chase is not worth it, or signal to the herd.
- Listed Least Concern — large populations remain on farms and reserves.
- Conservation: Least Concern.
Diet & feeding
Springbok feeds primarily as a grasses and shrubs.
Adaptations
- The flashing white rump patch is raised during leaps, possibly confusing predators.
- Springbok can survive with limited water by selecting moisture-rich plants.
Behaviour & ecology
- The flashing white rump patch is raised during leaps, possibly confusing predators.
- Springbok can survive with limited water by selecting moisture-rich plants.
Communication
- Springbok uses scent, posture, and vocal signals to mark territory and coordinate social behaviour.
- Communication intensity often peaks during breeding seasons and territorial disputes.
Habitat & range
Arid grasslands of southern Africa
Ecological role
Springbok plays a recognised ecological role in arid grasslands of southern africa.
Frequently asked questions about the Springbok
Where do springboks live?
Arid grasslands and shrublands of Namibia, Botswana, South Africa, and Angola — national symbol of South Africa.
What do springboks eat?
Herbivore — grasses, shrubs, and succulents.
How long do springboks live?
About 10 years in the wild on average.
Are springboks endangered?
IUCN status: Least Concern.
What is a group of springboks called?
A group of Springboks is called a herd.
What is a baby springbok called?
A baby Springbok is called a lamb.
Sources & references
This guide is compiled and reviewed against established zoological and conservation references. Key sources for the Springbok:
-
IUCN Red List of Threatened Species
Conservation status (Least Concern) reflects the IUCN Red List category for Antidorcas marsupialis.
- IUCN Red List — Antidorcas marsupialis.
Conservation status (Least Concern) and population trends.
- Animal Diversity Web — Antidorcas marsupialis. University of Michigan Museum of Zoology.
Life history, morphology, and range.
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How we research, source, review, and update every guide for accuracy.
