All information about the springbok

How did the springbok get its name?

The springbok has a very appropriate name because in jumping they are the best! By making high jumps, springboks show that they are strong and healthy. This is very useful since predators only target the weaker and younger animals. The springbok is a real group animal. If one springbok starts jumping, the whole herd often joins in. This jumping is also called "showing off.

Want to know more about the springbok and how high they can jump? Then take a quick look at this Ranger Request about this animal!

Recognize the springbok by the colors of its fur

You can recognize a springbok by several characteristics. For example, both males and females have two horns on their heads herewith the horns of the males are larger than those of the females. The horns have ridges, are twisted and can grow up to half a meter long!

Also, the color of the fur also called the skin is very typical of the springbok. The upper part of the body has a reddish-brown color and the head, belly and legs are white in color. On the side of the body there is a black stripe. On the head, a more dark brown stripe can be seen near the eye. A springbok also has a white long tail with black tassels at the end.

Come see the springbok with its special coat and characteristics at Safaripark Beekse Bergen!

The habitat of the springbok in South Africa

Have you always wanted to know where the springbok actually lives? The natural habitat of the springbok consists of the dry plains in South and Southwest Africa. Here the animals are most common in Namibia, Botswana and Angola. Little grows on the open, dry plains except some low grass and a few bushes. When it is winter and gets colder, the animals seek the shelter of the bushes. By the way, did you know that the springbok is even the national animal of South Africa?

Is the springbok endangered?

In South Africa, large herds of springbok lived for a long time. As the farmers took more and more land, the habitat became smaller and smaller, and the animals started looking for food on the farmers' land. The farmers were not happy about this and started to hunt the animals more and more. As a result, few herds of springbok remained. Also, the herds have become smaller and smaller. Where first these herds were hundreds to millions of animals, the herds are now reduced to about 100 animals. To preserve the species, springboks are being introduced into game reserves and on farms.

Also, the springbok has been named the national animal of South Africa, making it more respected and protected. It is now only possible to hunt the springbok with a special permit which has reduced hunting of the animals.

The role of zoos is to preserve and protect of endangered species. European parks work closely with each other to achieve this goal and do so with an management program (EEP). The springbok is also part of this. In this way, a healthy reserve population is maintained. You can find out more about species conservation and our role here here.

Conservation

Not only the springbok, but many of the species you see in our park are endangered and struggling in their original habitats. Did you know that worldwide more than 4,000 animal species threatened with extinction are endangered? Together we can help them, with big, or small steps. Want to know how? Then click here.

What does a springbok eat?

The springbok's menu includes a variety of plant foods. A springbok is a ruminant and can eat relatively quickly. Because they chew the food twice, they extract more nutrients from the food so less food is needed.

Exactly what the springbok eats is often seasonal. Especially grasses, herbs and leaves are eagerly eaten by the animals. When food is scarce in the dry season they migrate to areas where there is more food. The springbok needs little water and can also get a lot of water from food. In the dry season, the animals often eat food that contains a lot of water such as flowers or tubers from the ground.

Will you come and admire these jumping animals in Safaripark Beekse Bergen?

A springbok is a real group animal

Springboks live in herds with a different composition depending on the season. In the rainy season, the herds are large and can consist of as many as thousands of animals. This large herd is created by merging several smaller herds. When the rainy season is over, the large herd splits into much smaller herds of tens to hundreds of animals. These smaller ones are also called a harem because they often consist of one male and several females. The male marks his territory with scents by urinating or defecating in certain places. Other males smell these odors and know the territory is occupied. If another male does enter the territory, fights can occur between the animals. They then make a humming sound and use their horns to push each other away.

All about springbok babies

A springbok calf is born after a gestation period of about six months. The gestation period is relatively short, allowing springboks to give birth to young twice a year. After birth, the mothers stay away from the herd with their young for several weeks, forming a separate group. At birth, the young are yellow-brown in color and do not yet have black stripes on the side of the body. Also, the horns are not immediately visible these begin to grow after a month.