The '''springbok''' or '''springbuck'''('''''Antidorcas marsupialis''''') is an [[antelope]] found mainly in south and southwest Africa. The sole member of the [[genus (biology)|genus]] ''Antidorcas'', this [[bovid]] was first [[Species description|described]] by the German zoologist [[Eberhard August Wilhelm von Zimmermann]] in 1780. Three [[subspecies]] are identified. A slender, long-legged antelope, the springbok reaches {{cvt|71|to|86|cm|in}} at the shoulder and weighs between {{cvt|27|and|42|kg}}. Both sexes have a pair of black, {{cvt|35|to|50|cm|in|adj=on}} long [[horn (anatomy)|horns]] that curve backwards. The springbok is characterised by a white face, a dark stripe running from the eyes to the mouth, a light-brown [[coat (animal)|coat]] marked by a reddish-brown stripe that runs from the upper fore leg to the buttocks across the flanks like the [[Thomson's gazelle]], and a white [[Rump (animal)|rump]] flap.
Active mainly at dawn and dusk, springbok form [[harem (zoology)|harem]]s (mixed-sexsêx herds). In earlier times, springbok of the [[Kalahari desert]] and [[Karoo]] migrated in large numbers across the countryside, a practice known as ''trekbokking''. A feature, peculiar but not unique, to the springbok is [[pronking]], in which the springbok performs multiple leaps into the air, up to {{cvt|2|m|ft}} above the ground, in a stiff-legged posture, with the back bowed and the white flap lifted. Primarily a [[Browsing (herbivory)|browser]], the springbok feeds on shrubs and [[succulent plant|succulent]]s; this antelope can live without drinking water for years, meeting its requirements through eating succulent vegetation. Breeding takes place year-round, and peaks in the rainy season, when forage is most abundant. A single calf is born after a five- to six-month-long pregnancy; weaning occurs at nearly six months of age, and the calf leaves its mother a few months later.
Springbok inhabit the dry areas of south and southwestern Africa. The [[IUCN|International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources]] classifies the springbok as a [[least concern]] species. No major threats to the long-term survival of the species are known; the springbok, in fact, is one of the few antelope species considered to have an expanding population. They are popular game animals, and are valued for their meat and skin. The springbok is the national animal of [[South Africa]].
