Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Mammalia
Order: Artiodactyla
Family: Bovidae
Genus: Antidorcas
Species: Antidorcas cuprina (Copper Springbok)
12–16 years (in the wild)
35–45 kg (77–99 lbs)
70–85 cm (28–34 inches) at the shoulder
Activity: Primarily diurnal (active during the day), with peak activity in the early morning and late afternoon. It is especially active during the cooler seasons and in areas with mild temperatures.
Feeding Habits: Herbivores – feed on grasses, leaves, and succulent plants. The Copper Springbok is known to graze in both open savanna and more densely vegetated areas. They can go for long periods without water, obtaining most of their hydration from the plants they consume.
Social Structure: Typically found in small to medium-sized herds, although males may be solitary outside the mating season. During the breeding season, males will fight for dominance and mating rights.
Hunting Approach: Not typically hunted in the traditional sense, though the Copper Springbok can be preyed upon by large carnivores like lions, cheetahs, and wild dogs. Its ability to “pronking” (leaping high into the air) allows it to confuse and evade predators.
Preferred Habitat: Semi-arid grasslands, shrublands, and open savanna, often near the edges of woodlands or along the fringes of deserts. The Copper Springbok is also found in scrubby areas where there is sparse vegetation and access to seasonal waterholes.
Water Sources: Found near seasonal water sources such as small ponds, rivers, or natural springs, but can survive long periods without direct access to water if enough moisture is found in the vegetation.
Best Hunting Locations: Open grasslands, mixed with sparse trees or scrub where the Copper Springbok can use its agility to evade predators. Look for them near water sources or grazing areas, particularly during dry spells when they are more likely to visit waterholes.
Tracks and Trails: Small cloven-hoofed tracks, often visible in sandy or soft soils. Trails may lead to grazing areas or watering holes. Tracks are typically scattered in wide, open spaces.
Signs: Grazed vegetation, hoof prints along trails, droppings found in grassy or dusty areas, and occasional pronking marks where the Springbok has leapt in the air to evade predators.
Ideal Hunting Times: Early morning and late afternoon, when the Copper Springbok is grazing or moving between water sources and feeding grounds. This is also when they are most likely to engage in their distinctive pronking behavior.
Breeding Season: Occurs during the wet season (November–April). During the rut, males become territorial and may engage in dramatic displays to attract females or defend their territories.
Trophy Quality: Males typically have beautifully curved, slender horns that range from 30–40 cm (12–16 inches) in length. The best trophies feature symmetrical, well-defined horns with a slight reddish or copper-colored hue, which gives the species its name.
Use of Scent Lures: Scent lures are not typically used, but calling can attract males during the rut, especially in areas with high male competition. The use of “grunt” calls may elicit a response from a territorial male.
