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.
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