Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Mammalia
Order: Artiodactyla
Family: Bovidae
Genus: Antidorcas
Species: Antidorcas albino (White Springbok)
12–16 years (in the wild)
30–45 kg (66–99 lbs)
70–85 cm (28–34 inches) at the shoulder
Activity: Primarily diurnal (active during the day), with peak activity during the cooler parts of the morning and evening. Tends to rest during the heat of the day, seeking shade or shelter.
Feeding Habits: Herbivores – feed on grasses, shrubs, and herbs. The White Springbok is known to be highly adaptable to different environments, grazing in both arid deserts and more fertile grasslands.
Social Structure: Typically found in small to medium-sized herds, though larger groups can form during the wetter months when food is abundant. Males are territorial, particularly during the breeding season, and may sometimes engage in combat for dominance.
Hunting Approach: Like the common Springbok, the White Springbok is elusive and agile. It is not typically hunted for sport but may fall prey to predators such as lions, cheetahs, and hyenas. It uses its distinctive high-speed running and “pronking” (leaping into the air) to escape danger.
Preferred Habitat: Open, semi-arid grasslands, scrublands, and savanna with sparse vegetation, often near dry riverbeds or seasonal waterholes. The White Springbok thrives in environments where cover is available but food is still plentiful.
Water Sources: Generally found near seasonal water sources, such as ponds, rivers, and springs, though it can survive in drier regions for extended periods if necessary.
Best Hunting Locations: The White Springbok can be found in open, flat grasslands, scrubby savanna, and woodland edges. Hunters should look for areas near waterholes or grazing fields, especially during the dry season when animals frequent water sources more often.
Tracks and Trails: Small cloven-hoofed tracks, typically visible in sandy or soft soils near waterholes or grazing areas. Trails are usually wide and dispersed, as these animals prefer larger open areas for feeding and movement.
Signs: Grazed grasses, hoof prints in sandy soil, and droppings often found along common trails to waterholes or feeding areas.
Ideal Hunting Times: Early morning and late afternoon when the White Springbok is most active and grazing. These are the best times to spot the animals as they move between feeding grounds and water sources.
Breeding Season: Mating season typically occurs during the wet season (November–April). Males will often become more aggressive and territorial during the rut, with displays and vocalizations to establish dominance over other males.
Trophy Quality: Males of the White Springbok have slender, slightly curved horns that can reach 35–45 cm (14–18 inches) in length. The best trophies feature long, symmetrical horns and are typically selected from older males that display a striking contrast between their white fur and the darker markings around their eyes, legs, and face.
Use of Scent Lures: Scent lures are rarely used, but calling can sometimes attract males during the breeding season. Vocalizations imitating rutting males can help lure animals into range when competition is high.
