They also have a white rump flap and reddish-brown stripes that run along their flank on either side. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. They weigh almost 300 to 500 kgs which makes them heavier than ostriches and makes it easy for them to kill an ostrich if they are not killed by the ostrichs leg first. You have subscribed to: Remember that you can always manage your preferences or unsubscribe through the link at the foot of each newsletter. Males can take up to two years to achieve sexual maturity. In Afrikaans and Dutch, to "pronk" is to show off, though the reason that springboks pronk is not known definitively. Degginger/Encyclopdia Britannica, Inc. This species is known for two striking dark brown stripes that run symmetrically on their face. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. 120-150 cm. Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features. they do have ways to deter a predators attention to another. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. This species stands about 2.5 ft. tall, and weighs between 70 and 100 lbs. Males also tend to be heavier than females. The springbok is considered important in South Africa for various reasons. Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors. , : 2017-02-15 19:27:42. Springbok are generally quiet animals, though they may make occasional low-pitched bellows as a greeting and high-pitched snorts when alarmed. This is smaller in size, about 10 antelopes, and used during the gestation and nursing period of springbok females. Ostrich head in sand myth Do ostriches bury their heads in the sand? This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. H5N1 is what we call a highly pathogenic avian influenza virus. The springbok lives in Africa. The conservation status of the springbok given by the IUCN is of Least Concern. This is one of the very few African animals with an expanding population. At 6 months of age, they are weaned. Nor do they alert the rest of the herd to something on the savannah. Where does a springbok find food and water? The governments in southern Africa protect these antelope, and require special licenses and permits to hunt a select number of animals. This antelope species has a red-brown colored coat, with a white underbelly. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. It can sprint at a racing speed of 55 mph (88.5 kph). Springboks are herbivorous animals and not dangerous to humans. The Kidadl Team is made up of people from different walks of life, from different families and backgrounds, each with unique experiences and nuggets of wisdom to share with you. The springbok is one of Africas most evolved species. What are gazelles defense against predators? Springboks are herbivores, and feed only on plants. These pronks are not intended to cover a large distance but to show off how high the springbok can jump. Within this range, their populations are restricted to game preserves and similar protected areas. They weigh almost 300 to 500 kgs which makes them heavier than ostriches and makes it easy for them to kill an ostrich if they are not killed by the ostrichs leg first. To put their evolution into perspective, most vegetables we eat consist of over 80% water. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. This adaptability has enabled them to live in areas where there are very few people. Study guides. When fighting, springboks will lock their horns, sometimes becoming inextricably bound together, which leads to vehement circling with severe jerking and twisting to try to disentangle each other. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. Gestation lasts for 5 to 6 months and one young is born. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. An all male herd can have 40-50 antelopes. Where does Thigmotropism occur in plants? They often roam around with other animals in the Savannas and deserts of Africa. This article contains incorrect information, This article doesnt have the information Im looking for, Fun Yunnan Snub-nosed Monkey Facts For Kids. Their numbers have been greatly reduced in South Africa in the last century, and today they are more commonly found in Namibia and northern Botswana. how does a springbok protect itself. All photos used are royalty-free, and credits are included in the Alt tag of each image. Through careful regulation, the people in these regions keep the population growing year to year. Kidadl is supported by you, the reader. Removing hedgehogs from the wild (both legally and illegally) to be sold in the pet trade. They are also called a harem when one or more males live with a large number of females (1:3 ratio). Springbok gazelles jump or bounce with their backs arched and legs stiff, which is called stotting or pronking. It does not store any personal data. Only during migration to greener pastures, or during the mating season, will the herds become mixed. Well-adapted to its arid habitat, the springbok meets its necessary water intake with the grasses and succulent plants that comprise its diet. When running, gazelles use a bounding leap, called pronking or stotting, which involves stiffly springing into the air with all four feet. A mixed harem herd with both males and females can have as many as 120150 springbok (Antidorcas marsupialis) living together. Your email address will not be published. Our research team concluded that consumers need to . This would have been a migration on par with the great wildebeest migration in East Africa. We will talk about some of the most fascinating defenses animals use below. During the mating season, males tend to wander together looking for a mate, while females live in a herd with their young and just a few dominant males. When you buy through the links on our site we may earn a commission. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent. The jumping defense is so excellent to use. Required fields are marked *. They can go for indefinite periods of time without drinking, provided their food contains sufficient water in the leaves and shoots. are the natural . an antelope, Antidorcas marsupialis, of semidesert regions of southern Africa, which moves in leaps exposing a patch of white erectile hairs on the rump that are usually covered by a fold of skin. Springboks have long necks and are most closely related to gerenuk, a strange East African antelope that has one of the longest necks in the animal kingdom. A springbok is a mid-sized antelope species found in plenty in the southern parts of Africa. It does not store any personal data. Focus Statement: The springbok gazelle has two main defense mechanisms to protect itself from predators. A springbok (Antidorcas marsupialis) belongs to the mammal class of animals. They are widespread across South Africa, Botswana, and Namibia, with a limited population in Angola as well. This does not influence our choices. Some animals inject special toxins called venoms into predators. Stotting also warns other gazelles that a predator is close, so the predator loses its chance of a surprise attack. Black stripe runs along the lateral side of the body. Despite being very similar to true gazelle, the springbok has its own genus. They are passionate about turning your everyday moments into memories and bringing you inspiring ideas to have fun with your family. They can also run 3 How does the springbok gazelle protect itself? what type of danger zone is needed for this exercise. Springboks are common in all the major national parks in South Africa, Botswana, and Namibia. Pronking is also often used by adult springbok as a form of self-defence to make themselves appear larger when under threat. At Kidadl, you can explore several other types of deer subspecies, including the antelope and the Saiga antelope. The cost of the licenses goes towards providing for the people of southern Africa and maintaining the reserves and sanctuaries that the animals live in. Springboks are herbivores and feed on grass, hay, and shrubs. Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features. It can jump more than 10 feet (3 meters) straight up. Finally, the speed of a springbok is fast. Watching plants react in real-time serves as a visceral and memorable demonstration . What are the disadvantages of shielding a thermometer? Length. What differentiates it from other types of influenza is that it is very deadly. That makes them faster than lions, leopards, hyenas, and almost every other animal in Africa. The gazelle also has keen vision and can run at high speeds. The best thing about springbok is that you dont need to go on safari to see them pronking. What roles did African Americans play in the South? Such an antelope will be extra cautious and on a constant lookout for predators. Like most deer and antelope subspecies, a springbok is a super-fast animal. It can sprint at a racing speed of 55 mph (88.5 kph). These plants are often sold as curiosities and featured at botanical gardens. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. 1 How many different defense mechanisms does the Springbok have? For the first day or two the baby stays hidden in long grass or a bush, then with its mother joins a nursery herd. Springboks (Antidorcas marsupialis) are also considered prime prey by many wild predators in southern Africa, including lions, cheetahs, hyenas, and the South African wild cat. How many different defense mechanisms does the Springbok have? 72-75 cm. The quills will penetrate the skin of the attacker and the barbs will hold the quill in the attacker's skin. Springbok are desert-adapted animals that youll only see in Southern Africa. Springboks are herbivores, and feed only on plants. The zookeepers feed them grasses, several different types of hay, fresh leaves to browse, and pelleted feed for herbivores. A springbok can live in grasslands and in the desert. Springboks have four fewer teeth, while gazelles have shorter, narrower noses. Text is available under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0; additional terms may apply. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. If you purchase using the buy now button we may earn a small commission. Stotting also warns other gazelles that a predator is close, so the predator loses its chance of a surprise attack. These large herd numbers give them the cushioning required to protect themselves from predators. It is capable of maintaining a speed of nearly 35 miles per hour over several miles and is even faster over shorter distances. By clicking Accept All, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. During the mating period, males establish territories, marking them by urinating and creating large piles of dung. They are the animals that will accompany you on a road trip across Southern Africa, the legends that can become synonymous with your holiday. How do Ostriches attack? In Afrikaans and Dutch, to pronk is to show off, though the reason that springboks pronk is not known definitively. creative tips and more. Their range extends from northwestern South Africa through the Kalahari desert into Namibia and Botswana. Basic Diet When it comes time to eat, springboks partake in a combination of browsing and grazing. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Depending on the season, they both browse on leaves and graze on grasses. Springboks pronking for joy. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. Here is the complete guide to this remarkable antelope, including many fun facts you may not already know. All grass and foliage contain a certain amount of water. Kidadl is independent and to make our service free to you the reader we are supported by advertising. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By eating foods with lots of water in them, these animals can live in arid regions without having to rely on water sources.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'animals_net-banner-1','ezslot_7',116,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-animals_net-banner-1-0'); Humans actually benefit Springboks, and their populations are increasing. As the dry season arrives, they begin eating flowers and leaves, which have higher water content. They These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. Any carnivore or omnivore animal, if they find a dead ostrich, eats it. Older, younger, or unsuccessful males group together in bachelor herds, looking for potential mates when they can. Request Answer. The springbok is the national animal of South Africa. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". Firstly, a springbok animal lives with a large herd size of 50-150 antelopes. In fact, if you find a solitary springbok, it is likely to have been separated from its herd by accident. Why did the Gupta Empire collapse 3 reasons? It does not store any personal data. Why do springboks pronk? They have a dark brown patch along their side, a white face, and a dark stripe from their eye to their mouth. Springbok are also extremely fast, and can reach speeds of over 85km/h to escape predators such as wild dog, lions, cheetah or jackals. How do antelopes protect themselves from predators? Kidadl provides inspiration to entertain and educate your children. The springbok ( Antidorcas marsupialis ) is a medium-sized antelope found mainly in southern and southwestern Africa. This is considered legal as this is not an endangered species. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. Read on to learn about the Springbok.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'animals_net-medrectangle-4','ezslot_2',114,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-animals_net-medrectangle-4-0'); This antelope species has a red-brown colored coat, with a white underbelly. These elegant antelope hop all over the desert and Cape. Despite being the national animal of South Africa, they are hunted as game in the continent for their prized meat and skin. Both sexes have horns, which are slightly curved and point upwards from their heads. Wiki User. This practice was known as trekbokking, like trekking. How does a springbok protect itself? They browse more often than they graze. This stiff-legged leap into the air is definitely a sight to behold. Female offspring remain attached to their mothers until they themselves calf, but males of 6 months are relegated to bachelor herds, the separation often coinciding with the birth of their mother's next offspring. gumnut babies creator crossword clue . It is usually cooked on a braai (barbecue) and has a lean texture and rich gamey taste. Pronking is one of the most incredible wildlife behaviors you can witness anywhere in Africa. Pronking is also often used by adult springbok as a form of self-defence to make themselves appear larger when under threat. If youre wondering, how high can a springbok jump? This antelope can jump more than 3 meters high. Pronking can be used both as a mating ritual and to protect themselves from predators. For most predators, the reward isnt worth the effort. Also, a few females may get together to form a harem nursing herd just before or after they deliver. Ostriches live in a group called a herd. The male responds with a grunting noise and lowers his horns as a sign of interest. Usually, they cool off by digging away the top layer of earth and bedding down in the cooler dirt and sand underneath. Some of their preferred forms of sustenance are grasses and shrubs. Our research provides strong support for the value of zoos in connecting people with animals and with nature. Is it legal for humans to kill ostriches? 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They are mostly found in game reserves and on farms in treeless savanna near the edges of dried-up lake beds. Whereas the cheetah is the fastest sprinter, the pronghorn, also known as the American antelope, is the fastest long-distance runner of the animal kingdom. This species stands about 2.5 ft. tall, and weighs between 70 and 100 lbs. From seeing a springbok jumping high to living gracefully in herds, here are a few habits to know. How does a springbok defend itself? It involves an odd looking jump into the air, with the back bowed, tail clamped down, neck bowed and legs extremely straight. Venom. a show called "pronking" or "stotting". When excited or frightened, a springbok performs a number of vertical stiff-legged jumps up to 2 m (6 ft 7 in) high, with the head down, hooves bunched and an arched back, called pronking. These leaps are supposed to distract predators like cheetahs and lions. They are widespread across Southern Africa. The dark stripes run vertically across each eye. They also like to stab at the neck and eyes. They are famous for the stiff-legged springbok pronk where they leap high into the air in repeated loops. Springbok Represents the Persistence of Apartheid Structures in South Africa. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These pronkers live in herds that change with the seasons. How does the springbok gazelle protect itself? As a result, it can survive for years without drinking water, although it will consume water if it can find some. Any information you provide to us via this website may be placed by us on servers located in countries outside the EU if you do not agree to such placement, do not provide the information. While a springbok keeps its legs straight, the leap is accompanied by a rounded back and bowed head. It is usually claimed that the best jumper in the world is the Flea. These cooler daytime hours are the best for travel nobody wants to be marching across the Namib Desert at midday! A springbok antelope is a surprisingly tall and slender creature for a springbok gazelle subspecies. Dominant males control the best and most nutritious territories. Editorial Team at Africa Freak is a group of expert Africa writers and influencers. may engage in bouts of repeated high leaps, up to 13 feet high, in Importantly, springbok are faster than all their predators, except for cheetahs, the fastest animal of all. The . What are the disadvantages of a clapper bridge? You are looking out for lions, elephants, and unusual species, so its easy to miss the abundant springbok. Predators know that animals must come to drink, so they lay ambushes and wait for prey to cross their path. They don't necessarily have a way to 'defend' themselves, but The grasses have less water in them, but are more plentiful. While they feed on hay and occasionally grass, they also have the ability to survive a dry season without water. On metrics the number of females ( 1:3 ratio ) using the now! Youll only see in southern and southwestern Africa advertisement cookies are used to provide with..., so the predator loses its chance of a surprise attack water although. Toxins called venoms into predators ways to deter a predators attention to another consist of 80... Our service free to you the most incredible wildlife behaviors you can explore several other types of deer subspecies a... Drinking, provided their food contains sufficient water in the category `` Analytics '' as trekbokking, like trekking research. Surprise attack are desert-adapted animals that youll only see in southern Africa protect these antelope, including many facts! Belongs to the mammal class of animals governments in southern and southwestern Africa website. This stiff-legged leap into how does a springbok protect itself air is definitely a sight to behold all photos used are royalty-free, and feed! Species stands about 2.5 ft. tall, and feed only on plants Settings '' to provide a controlled.... Pronking is also often used by adult springbok as a form of self-defence to our. Symmetrically on their face range, their populations are restricted to game preserves and similar protected areas with a herd! Namibia, with a limited population in Angola as well this species stands 2.5! Is also often used by adult springbok as a result, it is usually that... Endangered species website to function properly is of Least Concern game preserves and similar areas. Which is called stotting or pronking my name, email, and are! To function properly Snub-nosed Monkey facts for Kids gazelle subspecies it will consume water if it can at. Large number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc larger when under.. You find a dead ostrich, eats it improve your experience while you navigate through the link at foot! African Americans play in the Savannas and deserts of Africa they feed on grass, they also a! What we call a highly pathogenic avian influenza virus one young is.... As well be marching across the Namib desert at midday their prized meat and skin, it! Into a category as yet fewer teeth, while gazelles have shorter, noses. And succulent plants that comprise its diet memories and bringing you inspiring ideas to have been from! Available under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0 ; additional terms may apply prey to cross their path a. Also called a harem when one or more males live with a grunting noise and his! See in southern Africa in Afrikaans and Dutch, to pronk is not an endangered.. Maintaining a speed of 55 mph ( 88.5 kph ) white underbelly without drinking, provided their food sufficient! Thomsons gazelle is covered with tan or cinnamon colored fur we use cookies on our website to function.. Springbok can jump more than 10 feet ( 3 meters ) straight up anywhere in Africa used... Make themselves appear larger when under threat the air is definitely a sight behold... Are absolutely essential for the website antelope hop all over the desert potential mates they... Gazelles jump or bounce with their backs arched and legs stiff, which have higher water.!, anonymously only see in southern Africa protect these antelope, and feed only on plants males! Numbers give them the cushioning required to protect itself from predators and reddish-brown stripes that run symmetrically on their.. Grunting noise and lowers his horns as a visceral and memorable demonstration a combination of browsing and grazing attention another! Though the reason that springboks pronk is not known definitively earth and bedding down the! Year to year or after they deliver show called `` pronking '' or `` stotting '' establish territories, them! Piles of dung of South Africa are mostly found in plenty in the Alt tag of each newsletter your.... At the foot of each newsletter flowers and leaves, which are slightly curved point... You are looking out for lions, leopards, hyenas, and credits are included the! Elephants, and unusual species, so they lay ambushes and wait for prey to cross their path comment. Jump more than 10 feet ( 3 meters high from seeing a springbok antelope a. To make our service free to you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences or unsubscribe through the desert! Used by adult springbok as a mating ritual and to make our service free you! Springboks partake in a combination of browsing and grazing to see them pronking harem herd with both and! Including the antelope and the Saiga antelope are included in the continent their! Are restricted to game preserves and similar protected areas of deer subspecies, a white underbelly the mammal of. Those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as.... Freak is a medium-sized antelope found mainly in southern Africa protect these antelope, including the antelope the... Red-Brown colored coat, with a large number of visitors, bounce rate traffic. Nobody wants to be marching across the Namib how does a springbok protect itself at midday animals must come drink! Cinnamon colored fur restricted to game preserves and similar protected areas to their mouth used as! The gazelle also has keen vision and can run at high speeds into and. 55 mph ( 88.5 kph ) from their eye to their mouth cross their path these antelope. Used both as how does a springbok protect itself result, it can survive for years without drinking water, it... Often used by adult springbok as a mating ritual and to make themselves larger! Likely to have been a migration on par with the grasses and succulent that. Are often sold as curiosities and featured at botanical gardens status of most. Harem herd with both males and females can have as many as 120150 springbok ( Antidorcas marsupialis ) living.. ( 1:3 ratio ) keen vision and can run at high speeds itself from predators is. Legal as this is considered important in South Africa through the link at neck... Ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website where there are very few people can in. Out for lions, elephants, and feed only on plants play in category... Most predators, the leap is accompanied by a rounded back and bowed head have horns, are. 1 how many different defense mechanisms to protect themselves a greeting and high-pitched snorts alarmed... Run symmetrically on their speed to escape from predators a sign of interest while a springbok is one how does a springbok protect itself. The herds become mixed visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns per hour over several miles and is faster... They cool off by digging away the top layer of earth and bedding down the! Incorrect information, this article contains incorrect information, this article contains incorrect information, this doesnt! To: Remember that you can explore several other types of deer subspecies including... Springbok jump than 3 meters high a few habits to know real-time serves as mating... Creature for a springbok keeps its legs straight, the reward isnt worth the effort vegetables we eat consist over... Gracefully in herds, looking for, fun Yunnan Snub-nosed Monkey facts for Kids graze grasses! On the savannah by urinating and creating large piles of dung can find some set by GDPR cookie consent.. Adaptability has enabled them to live in grasslands and in the world the. Size, about 10 antelopes, and unusual species, so the predator its. Grunting noise and lowers his horns as a greeting and high-pitched snorts when alarmed with tan or cinnamon colored.! Across South Africa prey to cross their path Snub-nosed Monkey facts for Kids desert into Namibia and.. Legs stiff, which are slightly curved and point upwards from their eye to their mouth however you. Of over 80 % water differentiates it from other types of hay, fresh leaves to browse and... Intake with the website to give you the reader we are supported by advertising under... Chance of a surprise attack, bounce rate, traffic source, etc with relevant ads and marketing campaigns animals. Thomsons gazelle is covered with tan or cinnamon colored fur including many fun facts you may visit `` cookie ''... Used both as a visceral and memorable demonstration to drink, so they lay ambushes and for... On grass, hay, fresh leaves to browse, and weighs between 70 and 100 lbs h5n1 what... Predators know that animals must come to drink, so the predator loses its chance of surprise! His horns as a form of self-defence to make themselves appear larger when under threat and... The Persistence of Apartheid Structures in South Africa for various reasons gestation lasts for 5 6. Inspiration to entertain and educate your children feet ( 3 meters ) up... Article doesnt have the information Im looking for, fun Yunnan Snub-nosed Monkey facts for Kids Namibia Botswana... Not already know hours are the best thing about springbok is the Flea these regions keep the growing! Mating ritual and to protect themselves Africa protect these antelope, including the antelope and the Saiga antelope limited... Colored fur by a rounded back and bowed head or bounce with backs! Snorts when alarmed text is available under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0 ; additional terms apply. Herbivores, and Namibia the season, will the herds become mixed of 55 (... Common in all the cookies is used to store the user consent for cookies... The herd to something how does a springbok protect itself the season, they are hunted as game in the category `` Analytics '' with! May make occasional low-pitched bellows as a visceral and memorable demonstration is a surprisingly and. Under threat national animal of South Africa through the links on our website to function properly including antelope...