About the Springbok
The springbok is a slender, medium-sized antelope native to the arid plains and grasslands of southern Africa. Renowned for its distinctive reddish-brown back, white underbelly, and dark flank stripes, the animal is uniquely adapted to harsh, dry environments where it can survive for long periods without drinking water.
The species is perhaps most famous for its incredible speed and acrobatic leaping ability. Capable of sprinting up to 55 mph, the springbok frequently performs a behavior known as “pronking”. This spectacular display involves leaping stiff-legged up to 11 feet into the air with an arched back and bowed head, an action believed to confuse predators or signal strength and vitality.
Description of the Springbok
- Height: Stand about 2.3 to 2.8 feet tall at the shoulder.
- Weight: Average between 60 to 93 lbs., though some large males can reach up to 106 lbs.
- Tail: 5.5–11 inches long, ending in a short black tuft.
- Presence: Both males and females have horns (making them unique among many gazelle-like antelopes), but males have noticeably thicker and slightly longer horns.
- Shape: Heavily ridged and curved backward, forming a gentle lyre shape.
- Length: Their horns are between 10 and 20 inches long.
- The “Pronk” Fold: A unique pocket of skin running along the lower back contains a crest of hidden white hairs. When the animal is alarmed or excited, it performs stiff-legged leaps (pronking), opening this skin flap to flash a conspicuous white crest into the air. When the pronk fold is opened, it smells like cotton candy.
Springbok Species / Subspecies
South African Springbok
- Range: Found south of the Orange River, extending from the Cape of Good Hope to the Free State and Kimberley.
- Characteristics: This is the smallest of the three subspecies.
Kalahari Springbok
- Range: Found in southwestern Africa, north of the Orange River—ranging from Upington through Botswana and Namibia.
- Characteristics: The largest subspecies.
Angolan Springbok
- Range: Found in Benguela and Moçâmedes in southwestern Angola.
Springbok Color Variations
The Springbok has the following colors: classic/common, black, white, and copper.
Suitable Weapons
Any long range cartridge from .243 win up to any of the .30 caliber rifles will work great.
Hunting Area
In Africa, springbok are hunted in South Africa, Namibia, and Botswana. Some outfitters offer a springbok slam (classic color, black, white, and copper).
Springbok can also be hunted on high-fence hunting preserves in Texas.
