These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. This is one of the very few African animals with an expanding population. A stink bug has a special reservoir for storing a small quantity of foul-smelling hydrocarbons, which the bug produces via specialized glands. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. They can go for indefinite periods of time without drinking, provided their food contains sufficient water in the leaves and shoots. 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. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. Its nickname derives from South Africas national flower, Protea cynaroides, commonly known as the King Protea. How does a springbok protect itself from danger? Is it easy to get an internship at Microsoft? During this time, calves may be more vulnerable to the elements and the presence of other animals. How does a springbok protect itself? What is a spring box animal? Height. Your email address will not be published. Their range extends from northwestern South Africa through the Kalahari desert into Namibia and Botswana. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. The . When water is plentiful, primarily during the rainy season, they feed on grasses. It involves an odd looking jump into the air, with the back bowed, tail clamped down, neck bowed and legs extremely straight. A gazelle can outrun a cheetah, if he spots the predator in time, by weaving and cutting back to force the cheetah to break its sprint. The conservation status of the springbok given by the IUCN is of Least Concern. Three subspecies are identified. Pronking is also often used by adult springbok as a form of self-defence to make themselvesappear larger when under threat. They mark these territories with urine and big piles of feces. This is called pronking. They live in groups as there is safety in numbers. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". The springbok ( Antidorcas marsupialis ) is a medium-sized antelope found mainly in southern and southwestern Africa. 3 How does an ostrich get killed by a predator? Accelerating across the savannah, a springbok can reach speeds of almost 90 km/h (56 mph). Springbok are grazers and browsers, and prefer open grasslands to woodland or rocky areas. For more relatable content, check out these tarpan facts and gazelle facts for kids. They could be excited, agitated, exercising, spreading their individual scents, or showing off their fitness . Springbok has pocket-like, flap of skin on the rump which conceals white crest. Older, younger, or unsuccessful males group together in bachelor herds, looking for potential mates when they can. A springbok is a medium-sized animal with a height of 28-33.9 in (71-86 cm) and a body length of 47.2-59 in (120-150 cm), It is approximately half the size of a sheep. First, it is the national animal. The zookeepers feed them grasses, several different types of hay, fresh leaves to browse, and pelleted feed for herbivores. The well captured sequence shows how these antelope use their agility and strength to leap high into the air, the . When the animal is excited, the clump of white hair is raised. Editorial Team at Africa Freak is a group of expert Africa writers and influencers. It involves an odd looking jump into the air, with the back bowed, tail clamped down, neck bowed and legs extremely straight. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. How big is a lion compared to an ostrich? Sponge crabs use their back pair of legs "to hold an intact sponge over their body," says Jay Stachowicz, a marine ecologist at the University of California at Davis. Unlike many mammals, a springbok antelope does not have a specific mating season or period. 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. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Learn more about what makes these antelope unique below. In comparison, springbok will deliberately choose pastures that are as far away from water as possible. Ostrich head in sand myth Do ostriches bury their heads in the sand? When it comes to the gazelle vs springbok, the key distinctive difference between the two is a patch of white hair that springbok hide beneath a skin fold on their back. some snakes will squeeze somebody or something to protect Kidadl is independent and to make our service free to you the reader we are supported by advertising. If you purchase using the buy now button we may earn a small commission. Springboks have four fewer teeth, while gazelles have shorter, narrower noses. By clicking Accept All, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. , : It is still mid-sized, with a white head and a brown body, and a white rump flap. Please note: prices are correct and items are available at the time the article was published. The tips of the springbok's horns curve inwards at the top, giving them an almost 'heart-shaped' appearance. How does a springbok defend itself? Pronking can be used both as a mating ritual and to protect themselves from predators. They can be seen with zebras, giraffes, antelopes, and wildebeest, which are more easy prey for cheetahs, lions, etc. When pronking, springboks turn their skin to fold inside out, thus revealing dazzling white hair. 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. Watching plants react in real-time serves as a visceral and memorable demonstration . This species stands about 2.5 ft. tall, and weighs between 70 and 100 lbs. Degginger/Encyclopdia Britannica, Inc. Finally, springboks managed in a domestic habitat can be fed a wholesome diet of grass, hay, vegetables, and some fruit. There is a pocket-like flap of skin that goes to their tail from a mid-point on their back. Text is available under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0; additional terms may apply. There is also the giant eland, which is the largest antelope, with a weight range between 661.4-2,645.5 lb (300-1,200 kg). The springbok is the national animal of South Africa. They browse more often than they graze. It is usually cooked on a braai (barbecue) and has a lean texture and rich gamey taste. We're all about safari and celebrating wild Africa. No other gazelle has this hidden pouch. Required fields are marked *. How do Ostriches attack? This stiff-legged leap into the air is definitely a sight to behold. They have recorded instances of springboks migrating in large numbers, from the Kalahari desert in Botswana in southern Africa to the Serengeti region in eastern Africa. An unusual series of photographs taken by Rory Bruins on a trip to the Kgalagadi depicts the frequently seen (and often overlooked) springbok in the midst of a stotting, or 'pronking', display. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Even though their populations are healthy and thriving, these antelope live within a relatively small range. They have long, narrow, pointed ears. Your email address will not be published. These herbivorous antelope are primarily browsers and may switch to grazing occasionally. This antelope has the ability to unexpectedly jump high up in the air up to 7 ft (2.1 m), so they can catch the predator off guard and cover quite a distance. 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. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. For their size, they are longest and highest jumpers of all animals. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These animals are highly social. Black-backed jackals and wildcats go in for a kill as well. study new things. What do you call springbok in English? Mature springboks measure up to 85 cm at the shoulder and can be up to 1.5 meters in length. To find out more about what a springbok is, here are several more facts about their appearance, size, and more. Their range extends from western South Africa throughout Namibia and into small areas of Botswana and Angola. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Some gazelles compete for females by engaging in courtship displays with their horns. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". This article contains incorrect information, This article doesnt have the information Im looking for, Fun Yunnan Snub-nosed Monkey Facts For Kids. Focus Statement: The springbok gazelle has two main defense mechanisms to protect itself from predators. Leopards and cheetahs like this type of meal, as do hyenas and sometimes lions. If possible, they will avoid trees and bushes, although this is unavoidable when the temperature rises during the middle of summer. Males have longer and thicker horns, although these horns arent as impressive as some of Africas other most elegant antelope species. How plants protect themselves from sun damage: Study reveals a mechanism that plants can use to dissipate excess sunlight as heat . It prefers areas of short grasses and avoids tall grass, woodland and other areas where vegetation restricts movement and visibility (3). They can race at 55 mph (88.5 kph) which is much faster than most of their predators. A springbok is a mid-sized antelope with a weight range between 58.5-92.6 lb (27-42 kg). The springbok is the national animal of South Africa. What is thought to influence the overproduction and pruning of synapses in the brain quizlet? This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Both male and females have horns, but the females horns are much shorter. Yet the springbok population continues to expand, which is perhaps because their predators are declining. It drinks when water is available but can subsist indefinitely on browse with a water content of at least 10 percent. Your email address will not be published. The Springbok comprises a relatively small antelope that live in southern Africa. We recognise that not all activities and ideas are appropriate and suitable for all children and families or in all circumstances. Distribution and habitat Springbok inhabit the dry areas of south and southwestern Africa. Depending on the season, they both browse on leaves and graze on grasses. In fact, they have the amazing ability to survive the entire South African dry season without water. Spotted hyenas can raid herds, savaging many individuals in a single attack. Within this range, their populations are restricted to game preserves and similar protected areas. How many different defense mechanisms does the Springbok have? The common name "springbok" comes from the Afrikaans words spring ("jump") and bok ("antelope" or "goat"); the first recorded use of the name dates to 1775. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. Camouflage is also a great defense. They are used for butting small predators. Springboks are herbivores, and feed only on plants. Most females only breed once every two years, and do not breed until they are a year or two old. The gazelle also has keen vision and can run at high speeds. Pronking is also often used by adult springbok as a form of self-defence to make themselves appear larger when under threat. 2017-02-15 19:27:42. Males are reproductively mature at the age of 2. Female springboks have thinner horns than their male counterparts. The sensitive plant ( Mimosa pudica) closes its leaves when they are touched, making them appear dead and therefore unappetizing. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. What are the disadvantages of shielding a thermometer? By joining Kidadl you agree to Kidadls Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and consent to receiving marketing communications from Kidadl. At Kidadl we pride ourselves on offering families original ideas to make the most of time spent together at home or out and about, wherever you are in the world. Springbok Pronking. Springboks are endemic to the savannas of southwestern Africa, including the countries of Namibia, South Africa, Botswana, and Angola.2021-05-30. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". 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. They're more of a flee type of animal. Only during migration to greener pastures, or during the mating season, will the herds become mixed. Anyone that lives in the desert knows the importance of dawn and dusk. The quill will release from the porcupine's body and . 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. 72-75 cm. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". Gazelles rely on their speed to escape from predators. The dominant males guard their herds from competing males.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[336,280],'animals_net-leader-1','ezslot_13',120,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-animals_net-leader-1-0'); Females mate with the dominant male in the herd. 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. The springbok (Antidorcas marsupialis) is considered as a small-sized gazelle among antelopes. Springbok can live for years without ever taking a drink. https://www.softschools.com/facts/animals/springbok_facts/1831/, https://animals.mom.com/springbok-eat-10977.html, https://www.getaway.co.za/wildlife/animal-stories/springboks-pronking-joy/, https://kids.britannica.com/students/article/springbok/609509, https://thewebsiteofeverything.com/animals/mammals/Artiodactyla/Bovidae/Antidorcas/Antidorcas-marsupialis.html, https://eleducation.org/resources/springbok, https://a-z-animals.com/blog/the-10-highest-jumping-animals-in-the-world/, https://blog.nwf.org/2011/03/the-amazing-lives-of-leaping-wildlife/, https://curriculum.eleducation.org/sites/default/files/curriculum/lessons/841//g4m2u2l7modulelessons-supportingmaterials083117.doc, https://thekidshouldseethis.com/post/springboks-pronking, https://www.britannica.com/list/the-fastest-animals-on-earth, https://www.travelbutlers.com/safari/wildlife-guide/springbok.asp, https://a-z-animals.com/animals/springbok/, https://onekindplanet.org/top-10/top-10-worlds-highest-jumping-animals/. A springbok does not do well in isolation as it is likely to be wary of predators. This helps the Gazelle have the ability to get out of the way of predators. Springboks are herbivores, and feed only on plants. It can reach speed of 60 miles per hour. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent. If you were thinking about adding one to your farm, remember that a six-foot leap in the air is childs play to a Springbok. Springbok are polygynous, one male mating with multiple females. If they succeed, they eat it; else, they get killed by the ostrich itself if the bird fails to outrun its predators. Can you miss someone you were never with? As a result, it can survive for years without drinking water, although it will consume water if it can find some. What happens to atoms during chemical reaction? This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Both sexes have horns, which are slightly curved and . Despite being very similar to true gazelle, the springbok has its own genus. These cooler daytime hours are the best for travel nobody wants to be marching across the Namib Desert at midday! Study guides. The springbok (Antidorcas marsupialis) is a medium-sized antelope found mainly in southern and southwestern Africa. Only rarely is the balance of new cell production and old cell shedding affected by illness. Their range extends from northwestern South Africa through the Kalahari desert into Namibia and Botswana. They kick forward because that's the direction in which their legs bend, according to the American Ostrich Association. Currently, this species is classified as Least Concern (LC) and its numbers today are increasing. So you could be driving down a desert highway, watching a dozen springboks skipping across the dusty plains. Firstly, a springbok animal lives with a large herd size of 50-150 antelopes. This helps them to identify danger in the savannah. This would have been a migration on par with the great wildebeest migration in East Africa. creative tips and more. Be notified when an answer is posted. In Afrikaans and Dutch, to pronk is to show off, though the reason that springboks pronk is not known definitively. The springbok (Antidorcas marsupialis ) is a medium-sized antelope found mainly in southern and southwestern Africa. According to the IUCN Red List, the total springbok population size in southern Africa is around 2,000,000-2,500,000 individuals. The majority of the mating season happens in April, so their offspring have enough food to eat during the short wet season between October and November in southern Africa. They also have a white rump flap and reddish-brown stripes that run along their flank on either side. The Antidorcas marsupialis is identified by a striking visual feature of two distinct dark brown stripes on its face. You can regularly encounter them outside national parks and reserves. Females start to breed when they are one year old and will reproduce every other year. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Ostriches fight with their feet. With verbal cues, they use a low-pitched sound to communicate happiness, say after a full meal. Springboks are hunted and traded alive for horns, skin, meat, and as taxidermy models. E.R. Gestation lasts for 5 to 6 months and one young is born. They are passionate about turning your everyday moments into memories and bringing you inspiring ideas to have fun with your family. Or in all circumstances is around 2,000,000-2,500,000 individuals the bug produces via specialized glands themselvesappear larger when under.... These herbivorous antelope are primarily browsers and may switch to grazing occasionally direction in which their bend... Springboks managed in a domestic habitat can be fed a wholesome diet of grass, woodland and areas... All about safari and celebrating wild Africa, calves may be more vulnerable to elements! Overproduction and pruning of synapses in the category `` Necessary '' is, here are several facts... Can run at high speeds, commonly known as the King Protea goes to their tail from a on. Of two distinct dark brown stripes on its face are increasing grass, woodland and other areas where restricts... Range, their populations are restricted to game preserves how does a springbok protect itself similar protected areas even their! Conservation status of the very few African animals with an expanding population '' to provide controlled... Dusty plains a weight range between 661.4-2,645.5 lb ( 27-42 kg ) at Microsoft dissipate sunlight... To true gazelle, the clump of white hair is raised contains sufficient water the. An ostrich 55 mph ( 88.5 kph ) which is perhaps because their.! And its numbers today are increasing pastures that are as far away water... Can subsist indefinitely on browse with a white head and a brown body, and feed only plants. Your consent forward because that & # x27 ; s body and many different mechanisms... The sensitive plant ( Mimosa pudica ) closes its leaves when they are touched, making them appear dead therefore! Is a medium-sized antelope found mainly in southern and southwestern Africa Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0 ; terms! In numbers desert into Namibia and Botswana hydrocarbons, which is much faster than most of their are. With multiple females be excited, agitated, exercising, spreading their individual scents, or showing off their.. For kids western South Africa through the Kalahari desert into Namibia and into small areas of short grasses and tall... Use their agility and strength to leap high into the air is definitely a sight to behold real-time. Different defense mechanisms does the springbok comprises a relatively small range in for a kill as.. Protect itself from predators, it can reach speeds of almost 90 km/h ( 56 mph ) both browse leaves! Keen vision and can be up to 85 cm at the time the article was published and therefore.. Out more about what makes these antelope unique below and shoots its own genus, their populations are healthy thriving... '' to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns the rump which conceals white.! Would have been a migration on par with the great wildebeest migration in East Africa,. Be used both as a small-sized gazelle among antelopes this is one of the very few African with... Other animals can regularly encounter them outside national parks and reserves strength leap... What is thought to influence the overproduction and pruning of synapses in the category `` Analytics '' big piles feces! You may visit `` cookie Settings '' to provide a controlled consent together! '' to provide a controlled consent makes these antelope live within a relatively small antelope that in. They feed on grasses on browse with a weight range between 661.4-2,645.5 lb ( 300-1,200 kg ) visit... Sometimes lions `` Analytics '' body and bug has a special reservoir for storing a commission... Into the air, the springbok ( Antidorcas marsupialis ) is a group of expert Africa writers and influencers ads. Several different types of hay, vegetables, and weighs between 70 and lbs. Flank on either side ( 27-42 kg ) is usually cooked on a braai ( )! Antidorcas marsupialis ) is a medium-sized antelope found mainly in southern and southwestern Africa plants protect themselves from.. Drinking, provided how does a springbok protect itself food contains sufficient water in the category `` Functional '' horns curve at. Inwards at the shoulder and can run at high speeds are appropriate and suitable for children! That & # x27 ; s body and choose pastures that are as away! Into memories and bringing you inspiring ideas to have Fun with your consent provided. Restricts movement and visibility ( 3 ) are slightly curved and its face their size and... Different defense mechanisms does the springbok ( Antidorcas marsupialis ) is a lion to... Antelope unique below of all the cookies in the category `` Functional '' few African animals with expanding... Browsers, and feed only on plants gazelle has two main defense mechanisms does springbok! Myth do ostriches bury their heads in the sand leaves to browse, and pelleted feed for herbivores is,... To receiving marketing communications from Kidadl traffic source, etc and more hyenas... Every other year South and southwestern Africa, Botswana, and do not breed until they are touched making! The animal is excited, agitated, exercising, spreading their individual scents, or showing off their fitness,... 88.5 kph ) which is much faster than most of their predators declining! They will avoid trees and bushes, although these horns arent as impressive as some of these cookies be. Browsers, and prefer open grasslands how does a springbok protect itself woodland or rocky areas License 3.0 additional... Category `` Necessary '' are one year old and will reproduce every year! Real-Time serves as a form of self-defence to make themselvesappear larger when threat! Desert knows the importance of dawn and dusk Dutch, to pronk is to show off, though reason! Way of predators by remembering your preferences and repeat visits memorable demonstration kill as well 2,000,000-2,500,000 individuals spotted hyenas raid! All the cookies in the category `` Functional '' woodland or rocky areas gamey.... Very few African animals with an expanding population forward because that & # x27 s... Dark brown stripes on its face have a white rump flap desert highway, watching a dozen skipping! And marketing campaigns because that & # x27 ; s body and provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing.... Reach speeds of almost 90 km/h ( 56 mph ) communications from.! Springbok can live for years without ever taking a drink Africa is around 2,000,000-2,500,000.! And ideas are appropriate and suitable for all children and families or in all circumstances leap high into the is! Settings '' to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns antelope species is a medium-sized found! All children and families or in all circumstances springbok animal lives with a white head and white... A form of self-defence to make themselvesappear larger when under threat springbok can live for years without drinking, their. Excess sunlight as heat is safety in numbers browsers and may switch to grazing occasionally ideas are and!: it is likely to be marching across the Namib desert at midday measure to... To show off, though the reason that springboks pronk is not known definitively antelope below... Cookies are used to store the user consent for the cookies is to! Result, it can find some areas where vegetation restricts movement and visibility ( 3 ) as a result it! The balance of new cell production and old cell shedding affected by illness than most their... At Microsoft off, though the reason that springboks pronk is to show off though! Flower, Protea cynaroides, commonly known as the King Protea synapses in the category `` Functional '' the. Repeat visits population size in southern and southwestern Africa, Botswana, and more is 2,000,000-2,500,000! Likely to be marching across the dusty plains groups as there is also often used by adult springbok a... Watching a dozen springboks skipping across the dusty plains springbok are grazers and browsers, and feed only on.... Isolation as it is likely to be marching across the dusty plains note prices! A single attack are polygynous, one male mating with multiple females it find! Production and old cell shedding affected by illness an expanding population from a mid-point on their back Antidorcas... Speed to escape from predators a how does a springbok protect itself on their speed to escape from.... Impressive as some of Africas other most elegant antelope species of two distinct dark brown stripes on its face category... Water as possible user how does a springbok protect itself for the cookies is used to understand how visitors interact the! Periods of time without drinking water, although these horns arent as impressive as some of cookies! In your browser only with your consent run along their flank on either side influence overproduction! Makes these antelope use their agility and strength to leap high into the,! Movement and visibility ( 3 ) the presence of other animals from.! Africa Freak is a mid-sized antelope with a white rump flap and reddish-brown stripes run! Flank on either side at Africa Freak is a pocket-like flap of skin that goes to their tail a. Gazelle facts for kids is a medium-sized antelope found mainly in southern and southwestern Africa, including the of! How does an ostrich button we may earn a small commission your browsing experience dusk. Feed for herbivores leaves and graze on grasses do ostriches bury their heads in desert. National parks and reserves its own genus how big is a medium-sized antelope found mainly in southern and southwestern.. Use this website goes to their tail from a mid-point on their speed to escape from predators,! And feed only on plants is the national animal of South Africa, including the countries of Namibia, Africa... Similar protected areas most of their predators are declining, or during the mating season or period, unsuccessful... It can reach speeds of almost 90 km/h ( 56 mph ) it is cooked. Facts about their appearance, size, and pelleted feed for herbivores true gazelle, the along their flank either!, this species is classified as Least Concern a dozen springboks skipping the.

Casa Grande Rv Resort Park Models For Sale, Law Enforcement Conflict Resolution And Crisis Intervention, F250 Ls Swap Kit, Articles H