The springbok (Antidorcas marsupialis) is a medium-sized brown and white antelope-gazel of southwestern Africa. It is extremely fast and can reach speeds of 62 mph (100 km/h) and can leap 13 feet (4 m) through the air. The common name "springbok" comes from the Afrikaans and Dutch words spring = jump and bok = male antelope or goat.
The specific epithet marsupialis (Latin): marsupium, "pocket") derives from a pocket-like skin flap which extends along the middle of the back from the tail onwards. When the male springbok is showing off his strength to attract a mate, or to ward off predators, he starts off in a stiff-legged trot, jumping up into the air with an arched back every few paces and lifting the flap along his back.
Lifting the flap causes the long white hairs under the tail to stand up in a conspicuous fan shape, which in turn emits a strong scent of sweat. This ritual is known as stotting or pronking from the Afrikaans meaning to boast or show off.
Springbok huntingtrips
For more information about your Springbok hunting trip
contact us on +2 64 81 1494999 or
email us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.