Photo: Spring Bok

A Spring Bok rests during the heat of the day at Auckland Zoo on the North Island of New Zealand.

If a Spring Bok is suddenly alarmed, they will arch their back, instantly leap 2 metres (6 feet) forward, land on all four feet, then do it again, and again, and again. This is called Pronking, and it's an effective way to confuse a predator and attempt an escape while at the same time warning other Spring Bok that there is danger about. When excited or alarmed, the Spring Bok opens a special glandular pouch in the middle of the back near the base of the tail to display a crest of long stiff, white hairs.

Spring Boks are both grazers and browsers, they feed on grass, leaves, and roots. They will drink water when its available but when its not, they get moisture from leaves. They can tolerate temperatures of 50 degrees Celsius (122 degrees Fahrenheit).

Both males and females have 2 curved, ridged horns, outstandingly long ears and long slender legs - but the males are slightly larger and heavier. ... continue below the picture...

This picture is part of the photo album "Animal Pictures" - there are more beautiful images waiting for you.

... Spring Boks are what's called 'seasonally territorial'. If its time to mate, herds are smaller and consist of dominant males and females while bachelor males form their own herds. At other times herds will join up. When food is scare, they are able to detect where the greener pastures are then trek to them.

Spring Bok, Antidoreas marsipialis, in the Pridelands area of the Auckland Zoo, Auckland, North Island, New Zealand.