Abstract
Springbok numbers along the Nossob fossil river bed in the Kgalagadi Trans Frontier National Park have been monitored carefully since 1988. Springbok breed aseasonally and can produce two lambs per year. Numbers therefore may vary considerably across time. Numbers declined by 80% to reach a nadir in 1996 which has persisted, despite improved climatic conditions since then. Reasons for this lack of recovery are discussed and remain an enigma.