Species Overview

Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Mammalia
Order: Artiodactyla
Family: Bovidae
Genus: Antidorcas
Species: Antidorcas marsupialis

Life Span: 10–12 years (in the wild)
Weight: 24–50 kg (53–110 lbs)
Height: 0.7–0.8 meters (2.3–2.6 feet) at the shoulder
Length: 1–1.3 meters (3.3–4.3 feet) from head to tail

Animal Behavior and Habits

• Activity: Diurnal – Active during the day, especially in the early morning and late afternoon when they feed and move between grazing and drinking areas.
• Feeding Habits: Herbivorous – Grazers, preferring grasses and tender new shoots. They can survive without water for long periods, relying on the moisture from plants.
• Social Structure: Social – They live in herds, which can range from 20–100 individuals, often separated by gender except during mating season.
• Behavioral Traits: Known for agility, including the impressive “pronking” leap, where they jump into the air with stiffened legs, possibly as a predator-confusing tactic or display of strength.

Habitat and Environment

• Preferred Habitat: Grasslands, savannas, and open woodlands of southern Africa.
• Water Sources: Can survive without water but will drink when available, often near watering holes or areas with seasonal rain.
• Best Hunting Locations: Open grasslands, scrublands, and areas near water or grazing zones. During dry seasons, they may be seen near seasonal waterholes.
• Tracks and Trails: Small, oval-shaped tracks with noticeable toe marks, commonly found in soft soil.
• Signs: Look for grazed patches of vegetation and distinct hoofprints in soil near water sources.

Hunting and Trophy

• Ideal Hunting Times: Early morning and late afternoon when Springboks are most active.
• Breeding Season: Breeds during the wet season with births peaking after the first rains. Males defend territories during mating, and females give birth to a single calf after a 5–6 month gestation period.
• Trophy Quality: Mature males with impressive horns (curved into an “S” shape) are prized. The Black Springbok, a rare color variation, is particularly valued for its dark coat.
• Use of Scent Lures: Rarely used for Springboks; instead, hunters focus on spotting herds and tracking their movements.