Springbok

Springbok (Afrikaans bok = antelope, deer, or goat), a small antelope (Antidorcas marsupialis) that stands about 75 cm high and can weigh up to 40 kg.

It inhabits the dry inland areas of Southern Africa, and can run at a speed of 80 kilometres per hour (50 miles per hour). It is the national animal of South Africa.

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It was also the national symbol of South Africa under white minority rule (including a significant period prior to the establishment of Apartheid), being adopted by a number of South African sports teams to describe themselves, most famously by the national rugby team. It was also appeared on the emblems of the South African Air Force and the South African Airways logo, as well as the national coat of arms. It also featured as the logo of 'South Africa's Own Car', the Ranger, in the early 1970s.

After the demise of apartheid, the ANC government decreed that South African sporting teams were to be known as the Proteas. The rugby team still maintain the name Springboks, however, after the intervention of then-president Nelson Mandela, who did so as a gesture of goodwill to the mainly-white (and heavily Afrikaner) rugby supporters.

See also: South Africa national rugby union team, known as the Springboks