The springbok (Antidorcas marsupialis)is a member of
the Bovidae family and is native to the African continent. Brown and white in
appearance, springboks measures an average height of 30 inches. Males typically
weigh an average of 100 pounds and females an average of 80 pounds.
Springboks are noted for their athletic abilities and can
jump as high as 12 feet and have a running speed of up to 55 miles per hour. A
type of antelope, the male springbok is called a ram and the female, a ewe.
They inhabit South Africa,
Namibia and Botswana
and live on a diet of grass and leaves.
A distinctive feature of the springbok is a flap of skin on
the male's back that extends toward their tale. This flap moves during mating
and showing off creating a fan like appearance the animal's tale. The action is
referred to as pronking.
The springbok is the national animal of South Africa.