Springbok, Kalahari

The Springbok is considered by many hunters to be the most beautiful South African gazelle. The Springbok is selected as the national animal of South Africa. Its name means ‘jumping buck’; an accurate description of its reaction when it gets scared and flees. Springbok is legendary as it is considered the tastiest of all African gazelles.

Kalahari Springbok is a sociable herd animal and belongs on the dry, semi-desert, open grassland, including the Kalahari Desert. Its primary habitat is the Kalahari Desert that extends through South Africa and up through Namibia and Botswana. They live of both grass and leaves, and is not dependent on water, even though it will drink if water is available from ponds or natural sources.

Trophy assessment can be difficult since both males and females carry relatively small horns. Males’ horns are heavier and longer than females’. The Kalahari Springbok generally has significantly larger horns than its relative The Common Springbok.

Because of its phenomenal eyesight and its habitat in the desert, the hunt is made difficult and can provide major challenges.

In the hunt for The Kalahari Springbok, there is a need for flat-shooting rifle calibres as long shots often occurs in the open ground. The choice of riffle-calibre for this wild species should be from a 6.5x55 which will be a good choice. Another effective rifle calibre for this purpose will be a .270.

Side By Side Safaris has a large hunting concession with a good population of the Kalahari Springbok with a trophy quality in the absolute top class.

Facts

• NAME: KALAHARI SPRINGBOK

• SCIENTIFIC NAME: ANTIDORCAS MARSUPIALIS HOFMEYRI

• WEIGHT MALE: 41 KG

• WEIGHT FEMALE: 37 KG

• SHOULDER HEIGHT MALE: 75 CM

• SHOULDER HEIGHT FEMALE: 75 CM

• MATING SEASON: THROUGHOUT THE YEAR