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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
Active mainly at dawn and dusk, springbok form [[harem (zoology)|harem]]s (mixed-sex 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.
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