Springbok

African antelope · amazing jumper · savanna

Champion bouncer. Springboks can leap up to 2 meters (6.5 feet) straight into the air, doing acrobatic flips as they jump. Scientists think they do this to escape predators by confusing them with their bouncy, unpredictable movements.

Southern Africa home. These antelopes live mainly in the open grasslands and semi-desert areas of South Africa, Namibia, and Botswana. They're the only living member of their special genus, Antidorcas, making them uniquely one of a kind.

Graceful and lean. Springboks are smaller antelopes, standing only about 71 to 86 centimeters at the shoulder and weighing between 27 and 42 kilograms. Both males and females have curved, black horns that grow 35 to 50 centimeters long.

Striking stripes. These antelopes have a beautiful light brown coat with a reddish-brown stripe running along each side from shoulder to rump, plus a pure white face with a dark line from eye to mouth. Their white rump patch is extra fluffy and stands out when they run away.

Three family groups. Scientists recognize three different subspecies of springbok that live in slightly different parts of southern Africa. This shows how springboks have adapted to live in various habitats across the region.