Springbok meat

When the Dutch landed at the Cape of Good Hope in 1652 they noticed a herd of animals that strongly resembled bucks and which jumped up in a peculiar manner when running away. For obvious reasons they christened these antelopes 'springbok' (jumping-buck). Springboks (Antidorcas marsupiales) are elegant medium-sized antelopes. Their coat is ochre in colour and has a white stripe on its sides. Byrepeatedly jumping high in the air they succeed in confusing cheetahs and lions.

Shoulder height: 78-84 cm

Mass: 36-50 kg

Gestation: 160 days

Both sexes has horns which are lyre-shaped and heavily ridged; the males' horns are heavier and longer than those of the females. Springbok lives in habitats ranging from dry areas of the Kalahari to the barren regions of the Namib. They havegood eyesight and are highly gregarious. When moving at speed, they will bound into the air with a stifflegged ' pronking ' action, during which the hooves are bunched.

Diet: both browses and grazes. Roots, bulbs, short grass and leaves or various bushes are taken. Independant of water but will drink regulary when water is available.