Springbok
Springbok Temporal range:
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Male at Etosha National Park | |
Scientific classification | |
Domain: | Eukaryota |
Kingdom: | Animalia |
Phylum: | Chordata |
Class: | Mammalia |
Order: | Artiodactyla |
Family: | Bovidae |
Subfamily: | Antilopinae |
Tribe: | Antilopini |
Genus: | Antidorcas |
Species: | A. marsupialis
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Binomial name | |
Antidorcas marsupialis (Zimmermann, 1780)
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Subspecies | |
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Range map of springbok | |
Synonyms[2] | |
List
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The springbok or springbuck (Antidorcas marsupialis) is an
Active mainly at dawn and dusk, springbok form
Springbok inhabit the dry areas of south and southwestern Africa. The
Etymology
The common name "springbok", first recorded in 1775, comes from the
Taxonomy and evolution
The springbok, in the
Subspecies
Three subspecies of Antidorcas marsupialis are recognised:[2][8]
- A. m. angolensis (Blaine, 1922) – Occurs in Benguela and Moçâmedes (southwestern Angola).
- A. m. hofmeyri (Great Namaqualand (southwestern Africa). Its range lies north of the Orange River, stretching from Upington and Sandfonteinthrough Botswana to Namibia.
- A. m. marsupialis (Zimmermann, 1780) – Its range lies south of the Orange River, extending from the northeastern Cape of Good Hope to the Free State and Kimberley.
Evolution
Fossil springbok are known from the
Description
The springbok is a slender antelope with long legs and neck. Both sexes reach 71–86 cm (28–34 in) at the shoulder with a head-and-body length typically between 120 and 150 cm (47 and 59 in).[2] The weights for both sexes range between 27 and 42 kg (60 and 93 lb). The tail, 14 to 28 cm (5.5 to 11.0 in) long, ends in a short, black tuft.[2][10] Major differences in the size and weight of the subspecies are seen. A study tabulated average body measurements for the three subspecies. A. m. angolensis males stand 84 cm (33 in) tall at the shoulder, while females are 81 cm (32 in) tall. The males weigh around 31 kg (68 lb), while the females weigh 32 kg (71 lb). A. m. hofmeyri is the largest subspecies; males are nearly 86 cm (34 in) tall, and the notably shorter females are 71 cm (28 in) tall. The males, weighing 42 kg (93 lb), are heavier than females, that weigh 35 kg (77 lb). However, A. m. marsupialis is the smallest subspecies; males are 75 cm (30 in) tall and females 72 cm (28 in) tall. Average weight of males is 31 kg (68 lb), while for females it is 27 kg (60 lb).[2] Another study showed a strong correlation between the availability of winter dietary protein and the body mass.[11]
Dark stripes extend across the white face, from the corner of the eyes to the mouth. A dark patch marks the forehead. In juveniles, the stripes and the patch are light brown. The ears, narrow and pointed, measure 15–19 cm (5.9–7.5 in). Typically light brown, the springbok has a dark reddish-brown band running horizontally from the upper foreleg to the edge of the buttocks, separating the dark back from the white underbelly. The tail (except the terminal black tuft), buttocks, the insides of the legs and the
The three subspecies also differ in their colour. A. m. angolensis has a brown to tawny coat, with thick, dark brown stripes on the face extending two-thirds down to the
The skin along the middle of the
Both sexes have black horns, about 35–50 cm (14–20 in) long, that are straight at the base and then curve backward. In A. m. marsupialis, females have thinner horns than males; the horns of females are only 60 to 70% as long as those of males. Horns have a girth of 71–83 mm (2.8–3.3 in) at the base; this thins to 56–65 mm (2.2–2.6 in) towards the tip. In the other two subspecies, horns of both sexes are nearly similar. The spoor, narrow and sharp, is 5.5 cm (2.2 in) long.[2]
Ecology and behaviour
Springbok are mainly active around dawn and dusk. Activity is influenced by weather; springbok can feed at night in hot weather, and at midday in colder months. They rest in the shade of trees or bushes, and often bed down in the open when weather is cooler.[13]
The social structure of the springbok is similar to that of
A study of vigilance behaviour of herds revealed that individuals on the borders of herds tend to be more cautious, and vigilance decreases with group size. Group size and distance from roads and bushes were found to have major influence on vigilance, more among the grazing springbok than among their browsing counterparts. Adults were found to be more vigilant than juveniles, and males more vigilant than females. Springbok passing through bushes tend to be more vulnerable to predator attacks as they can not be easily alerted, and predators usually conceal themselves in bushes.[15] Another study calculated that the time spent in vigilance by springbok on the edges of herds is roughly double that spent by those in the centre and the open. Springbok were found to be more cautious in the late morning than at dawn or in the afternoon, and more at night than in the daytime. Rates and methods of vigilance were found to vary with the aim of lowering risk from predators.[16]
During the
In earlier times, when large populations of springbok roamed the
Springbok often go into bouts of repeated high leaps of up to 2 m (6 ft 7 in) into the air – a practice known as
Springbok are very
Parasites
A 2012 study on the effects of rainfall patterns and parasite infections on the body of the springbok in
Diet
Springbok are primarily
Reproduction
Springbok mate year-round, though females are more likely to enter
Gestation lasts five to six months, after which a single calf (or rarely twins) is born.[13] Most births take place in the spring (October to November), prior to the onset of the rainy season.[12] The infant weighs 3.8 to 5 kg (8.4 to 11.0 lb). The female keeps her calf hidden in cover while she is away. Mother and calf rejoin the herd about three to four weeks after parturition; the young are weaned at five or six months. When the mother gives birth again, the previous offspring, now 6 to 12 months old, deserts her to join herds of adult springbok. Thus, a female can calve twice a year, and even thrice if one calf dies.[3][14] Springbok live for up to 10 years in the wild.[2]
Distribution and habitat
Springbok inhabit the dry areas of south and southwestern Africa. Their range extends from northwestern South Africa through the Kalahari desert into
The historic range of the springbok stretched across the dry grasslands, bushlands, and shrublands of south-western and southern Africa; springbok migrated sporadically in southern parts of the range. These migrations are rarely seen nowadays, but seasonal congregations can still be observed in preferred areas of short vegetation, such as the Kalahari desert.[24]
Threats and conservation
The springbok has been classified as
Springbok occur in several protected areas across their range:
Relationship with humans
Springbok are hunted as game throughout Namibia, Botswana, and South Africa because of their attractive coats; they are common hunting targets due to their large numbers and the ease with which they can be supported on farmlands. The export of springbok skins, mainly from Namibia and South Africa, is a booming industry; these skins serve as
The latissimus dorsi muscle of the springbok comprises 1.1–1.3% ash, 1.3–3.5% fat, 72–75% moisture and 18–22% protein.[32] Stearic acid is the main fatty acid, accounting for 24–27% of the fatty acids. The cholesterol content varies from 54.5 to 59.0 milligrams (0.841 to 0.911 gr) per 100 grams (3.5 oz) of meat.[33] The pH of the meat increases if the springbok is under stress or cropping is done improperly; consequently, the quality deteriorates and the colour darkens.[34] The meat might be adversely affected if the animal is killed by shooting.[35] The meat may be consumed raw or used in prepared dishes. Biltong can be prepared by preserving the raw meat with vinegar, spices, and table salt, without fermentation, followed by drying. Springbok meat may also be used in preparing salami; a study found that the flavour of this salami is better than mutton salami, and feels oilier than salami of beef, horse meat, or mutton.[30]
The springbok has been a
The cap badge of
References
- ^ IUCN SSC Antelope Specialist Group (2016). "Antidorcas marsupialis". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2016: e.T1676A115056763.
- ^ S2CID 198127817.
- ^ hdl:10499/AJ19390.
- ^ ISBN 978-1-61530-465-3.
- OCLC 62265494.
- ^ von Zimmermann, E.A.W. (1780). Geographische Geschichte des Menschen, und der Allgemein Verbreiteten Vierfüssigen Thiere: Nebst Einer Hieher Gehörigen Zoologischen Weltcharte (in German). Leipzig: In der Weygandschen Buchhandlung. p. 427.
- ^ Sundevall, C.J. (1844). "Melhodisk öfversigt af Idislande djuren, Linnés Pecora". Kungl. Svenska Vetenskapsakademiens Handlingar. 3 (in Swedish). 32: 271.
- ^ ISBN 978-1-4214-0093-8.
- hdl:10499/AJ6704.
- ISBN 978-0-8018-5789-8.
- .
- ^ ISBN 978-1-4729-1236-7.
- ^ ISBN 978-0-907990-16-1.
- ^ hdl:10499/AJ19336.
- S2CID 11400003.
- .
- ISBN 978-0-360-00232-6.
- ^ ISBN 978-0-907990-16-1.
- S2CID 83613809.
- ISBN 978-0-521-12687-8.
- ^ PMID 21831195.
- PMID 1297955.
- ^ ISBN 978-2-8317-0477-7.
- S2CID 83882358.
- hdl:10499/AJ24053.
- ^ Skinner, G. N. "The Springbok: Antidorcas marsupialis (Zimmermann, 1790). Ecology and physiology. Behaviour." Transvaal Museum Monographs 10.1 (1996).
- ^ a b c d IUCN SSC Antelope Specialist Group (2008). "Antidorcas marsupialis". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2008. Retrieved 7 January 2015.
- ^ Doyle, A. (3 March 2009). "Quarter of antelopes under threat: report". Reuters. Retrieved 25 April 2012.
- ^ PMID 22061794.
- PMID 22944735.
- PMID 22061255.
- PMID 22061256.
- PMID 22061254.
- ^ von La Chevallerie, M.; van Zyl, J.H.M. (1971). "Some effects of shooting on losses of meat and meat quality in springbok and impala" (PDF). South African Journal of Animal Science. 1 (1): 113–116. Archived from the original (PDF) on 6 August 2016. Retrieved 19 April 2016.
- ISBN 978-1-61783-118-8.
- ISBN 978-0-85773-583-6.
- ISBN 978-0-203-09758-8.
- ^ "New release silver and limited mintage gold coins from APMEX". CoinWeek. 13 December 2019. Archived from the original on 26 October 2021. Retrieved 25 May 2020.
- The Royal Canadian Dragoons. Archived from the originalon 5 October 2021. Retrieved 25 May 2020.
External links
- Media related to Antidorcas marsupialis at Wikimedia Commons
- Texts on Wikisource:
- "Springbok". The New Student's Reference Work. 1914.
- "Springbuck". Encyclopædia Britannica (11th ed.). 1911.
- "New International Encyclopedia. 1905.
- "The American Cyclopædia. 1879.
- Data related to Antidorcas marsupialis at Wikispecies
- The dictionary definition of springbok at Wiktionary
- "Antidorcas marsupialis". Integrated Taxonomic Information System. Retrieved 9 April 2016.