The South Africa national rugby union team, commonly known as the Springboks, is the country’s national team governed by the South African Rugby Union. The Springboks play in green and gold jerseys with white shorts. Their emblem is a native antelope, the Springbok, which is the national animal of South Africa.
springbok
What is special about a springbok?
This apt name refers to the Springbok’s unique ‘pronking’ and ‘stotting’ behaviour, characterised by their ability to make their legs straight and rigid as they jump, propelling them high into the air as if they were ‘springing’ upwards. These leaps can reach impressive heights of up to 2 meters (6 feet).
Why is springbok national animal?
The springbok was a national symbol of South Africa under white minority rule (including a significant period prior to the establishment of Apartheid). It was adopted as a nickname or mascot by a number of South African sports teams, most famously by the national rugby team.
Is the springbok native to South Africa?
springbok, (Antidorcas marsupialis), also called springbuck, graceful, strikingly marked antelope of the gazelle tribe, Antilopini (family Bovidae, order Artiodactyla). The springbok is native to the open, treeless plains of southern Africa. It once roamed in enormous herds but is now much reduced in numbers.
Where are springbok found?
The Springbok is the most abundant antelope in the central and western parts of South Africa. Some herds are still free roaming within some of its natural range, but most are now confined to farmlands and reserves. They are a common feature in most of South Africa’s national, provincial and private reserves.