Springbok hunting in South Africa

The springbok (Antidorcas marsupialis) is a medium-sized antelope found in Southern Africa. In South Africa itself, it is the most commonly found antelope in the central and western parts of the country and a popular choice when hunting in South Africa. The IUCN lists their conservations status as “least concern.” 

Springbok hunting in Africa occurs in Southern Africa’s most arid regions, namely South Africa, Namibia and Botswana. Springbok hunting in South Africa is often part of an African plains game package, including kudu, sable antelope, gemsbok, impala, blesbok, warthog, and mountain reedbuck, to name a few.  

Springboks breed all year round, but there is a peak in the rainy season. The ewe gestates for 5-6 months and gives birth to a single calf. The calf weans at about six months and leaves its mother a few months later.

Springboks are herbivores, consuming a diet of shrubs, succulents, and a variety of grasses. They can go for days without drinking, and sometimes may not drink any water at all during their entire life span. They gain moisture by selecting a variety of flowers, seeds and shrubs and consuming them when they are most succulent and moisture-ridden. 

The springbok has a unique pronking or stotting behaviour that is characterised by their ability to straighten their legs, making them rigid as they jump. This propels them high into the air as if they were bouncing along. These jumps or leaps can reach remarkable heights of up to 6 feet at a time! This, together with their speed where they reach up to 55 miles per hour, assists them in evading predators.

The springbok has many predators preying on it, including lions, leopards, cheetahs, spotted hyenas, caracals, crocodile, wild dogs, and pythons. Juveniles are preyed on by smaller carnivores such as raptors, black-backed jackals, and African wildcats.