The Springbok is a small brown and white gazelle that stands about 75 cm high. The males can weigh up to 50 kg and the females up to 37 kg. They can reach running speeds of up to 83mph. The Latin name marsupialis derives from a pocket-like skin flap which extends along the middle of the back on to the tail. The springbok can lift this flap, which makes the white hairs underneath stand up in a conspicuous 'fan' and emit with a sweat floral odour.

Springbok inhabit the dry inland areas of south and southwestern Africa. Their range includes south and southwestern Africa, mainly in the countries of Namibia, Botswana, Angola and the Republic of South Africa. They used to be very common, forming some of the largest herds of mammals ever documented, but their numbers have diminished significantly since the 19th century due to hunting and land being fenced off as farm land.