Springbok - Antidorcas marsupialis

The dainty springbok can be found all over in the dry savannah of southern Africa. The biggest population is found in the Kalahari, where they are the most widely spread antelope species. If their food contains at least 10 per cent water, they can cope without drinking. They live in larger groups and during the summer months huge herds of them concentrate in dry riverbeds.

Springboks are fast sprinters. They can reach a speed of 80 kmh and jump for more than 10 metres. Their characteristic high-jumping behaviour can be particularly well observed during the rare rainfalls. Apparently out of the pure joy of living, the animals jump up and down like bouncing balls, stretching their front and rear legs simultaneously and bending their heads down.