Zingela Safaris

Springbok Photo Album Page 17

HABITAT

Arid and semi-desert scrub and grassland. A true desert antelope, able to survive indefinitely without drinking. Very widely translocated.

HABITS

This very beautiful animal, the national and sporting emblem of South Africa, is found only in South Africa, Namibia, Botswana and in a very small part of southern Angola. Active at any time of the day and night. They are capable of reaching speeds of 88 kilometres per hour, in short bursts. The males weight on average is 41 kg and females 37kg.

DIET

A versatile feeder, changing diet according to availability, and selecting for nutrients. Typically grazes in summer and browses more in winter and during droughts. Eats grasses, forbs, bushes, seeds, pods, fruits and flowers, and digs for roots and bulbs. Will eat plants that are unpalatable and toxic to other species. Wild melons and cucumbers are eaten for their water content, and soil for minerals.

BREEDING

Normally only one lamb is born after a gestation period of 165 to 180 days with the peak period varying in relation to the timing of rainfall. This is normally from September to January.