Springbok - African Wildlife - Golden Run

A pair of Springbok run and jump into the golden dust of sunset. Photographed in Namibia.

comments (12)

Ferdy Christant

Lion

Just read your profile, I'm honored to have a specialist like you join the site, a warm welcome here. And what a wonderful first entry, both the light and the action are amazing! Posted 10 years ago
1. Living Wild
  
  Lion
  
  Thank you very much, a few times over. I like the site a lot, and hope to contribute to this endeavor that educates, and conserves through awareness. The honor is mine ! Posted 10 years ago

Sunil R Agadi

Lion

Very Nice. Great shot. Posted 10 years ago
1. Living Wild
  
  Lion
  
  Thank you very much. I appreciate the comment. Posted 10 years ago

Claire Hamilton

Lion

May as well put this here as a follow on from Ferdy's comment, it is a pleasure to see your photos, we don't get that many from Namibia and yours are fantastic. Love this one, it brings out the nature of Namibia and the sometimes harsh terrain that these wonderful springbok endure. Looking forward to many more of your photos, are you still in Namibia? Oh, and I believe that in order to get the best wildlife experience, it is sometimes better to leave the camera at home! Posted 10 years ago
1. Living Wild
  
  Lion
  
  Thank you very much for the warm welcome. It feels like home already. Yes, indeed, Namibia is a harsh country with extremes abound. I still do live in Namibia ... where I now manage a private Game Reserve. I am also looking forward to submitting more photos ... have a lot to share with people and friends that appreciate the beauty that is nature and wildlife free. Absolutely, Murphy's Law is very common in this field. You will see the best images / memories once you leave your camera at home !!! Appreciate the welcome and support. Posted 10 years ago
2. 1. travismorhardt
    
    Lion
    
    Haha, so true about Murphy's Law and photography! But, what you see when you don't have a camera is special and unique to you and those who see it with you. Those are the truly special moments. Glad to have you here. I love your photos! Posted 10 years ago
  2. 1. Living Wild
      
      Lion
      
      Thank you very much for welcome and compliment. Great words from you, and very true. Posted 10 years ago

Wendy

Lion

Beautiful, again really nice light! Posted 10 years ago
1. Living Wild
  
  Lion
  
  Thank you very much Wendy. And again, very sorry for the late reply. Greatly appreciate your words. Posted 10 years ago

Christine Young

Lion

From today's Facebook post:

Springboks (Antidorcas marsupialis) are strikingly graceful antelopes native to the grasslands of southern Africa. They are one of the top ten fastest land animals on Earth, and can reach speeds of 90 km/hr (56 mph)! For this reason, most carnivores ignore adult springboks, but will gladly predate upon juveniles. Their diet changes depending on the season. They graze on grass during the rainy season when water is available, but switch to water-rich plants, such as flowers, when water is scarce. Being adaptable in how they use food resources enables springboks to be independent of a constant water supply—a definite advantage in a climate where droughts are common.

One really dramatic, quirky behavior of springboks is pronking! Pronking is when a springbok performs multiple leaps in the air with a stiff-legged posture, a curved back, and with the white crest of fur on their rump on full display. They can bound up to 4 meters (13 ft) in the air! It's quite a sight! The reason for this behavior is unknown, but there are many theories: Springboks may pronk to raise the alarm that a predator is near, to spread their scent, to confuse a predator, to show off, or simply for fun. However, pronking would be an inefficient behavior if the purpose is to evade or confuse a predator because it would waste so much energy and time when running away would be faster. Pronking for the springbok is most likely related to mating, and could be a way to exhibit fitness and excitement for the upcoming rutting season. The true cause remains a mystery, but pronking sure is fun to watch! Check out the video in the comments! {Spotted in Namibia by JungleDragon user, Living Wild} #JungleDragon Posted 6 years ago
1. Christine Young
  
  Lion
  
  Posted 6 years ago

The Springbok

The springbok is a medium-sized antelope found mainly in southern and southwestern Africa. The sole member of the genus "Antidorcas", this bovid was first described by the German zoologist Eberhard August Wilhelm von Zimmermann in 1780.

Info 14 1

Similar species: Even-toed Ungulates

Species identified by Living Wild