BLESBOK  

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Damaliscus dorcas

The blesbok was described by Pallas in 1767.  The bontebok and blesbok are part of a confusing species complex.  Formerly both classified as subspecies of Damaliscus dorcas, the Smithsonian Institution has changed the classification of both to Damaliscus pygargus.  However, this name has not completely infiltrated into current usage, with both 'species' still being placed under D. dorcas.  The problem arises from their extreme genetic closeness - they look almost identical and could be (and have been) thought of as races.  However, offspring from between the two have produced infertile offspring.  The blesbok is now extinct in its native habitat, only surviving on game farms and in wildlife refuges.  The population has increased to the point where they are commercially ranched for meat.  Bles (Dutch) a mark or blaze; bok (Dutch) a buck: alluding to the white blaze on the nose.

Damalis (Greek) a young cow, a heifer; -iscus (L) diminutive suffix.  Dorkas (Greek) an antelope or gazelle.

Size

Body Length: 140-160 cm / 4.6-5.3 ft.

Shoulder Height: 85-100 cm / 2.8-3.3 ft.

Tail Length: 30-45 cm / 12-18 in.

Weight: 55-80 kg / 121-176 lb.

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Description

The short, glossy coat, including the rump, is a purplish or reddish brown shade, becoming lighter on the back.  The underparts and insides of the legs are white, with the outsides being the same colour as the body.  There is a white blaze on the face, consisting of a slender patch on the forehead, and a wider, longer stripe down the nose.  The blaze is interrupted by a tiny dark band between these two patches.  Calves are born a light yellowish brown with dark faces.  Both sexes carry the strongly ridged, lyre-shaped horns, which grow 35-50 cm / 14-20 inches long.

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Reproduction

Gestation Period: 7.5-8 months.

Young per Birth: 1

Mating occurs between April and June, with the subsequent calves being born from November to February.  Mothers do not leave the herd to give birth.

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Life Cycle

Weaning: After 4 months.

Sexual Maturity: 2.5 years.

Life span: Up to 17 years.

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Habits

The blesbok is most active during the morning and late afternoon, travelling and feeding in these periods.  The middle of the day is spent resting in sheltered areas.  Unlike many antelope, the blesbok is not a good jumper, with a 135 cm / 4.5 foot high fence being tall enough to enclose a herd.  However, they are adept at crawling under objects.  When water is available, blesbok drink at least once a day, although they can survive without water for several days.  Calves have a strong instinct to follow their mothers.  Old bulls are territorial, and mark their ranges with dung heaps, on which they often rest.  These territories vary from 2.5-6.3 acres in size.  Marking of plant stalks with preorbital gland secretions is seen in both sexes.

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Lifestyle

Family group: Male, female, and mixed herds are found, rarely exceeding 70 animals in number.

Diet: Grasses.

Main Predators: Lion, leopard, cheetah, hyena, Cape hunting dog.

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Status

The blesbok is considered a low risk, conservation dependent species by the IUCN (1996).

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Habitat

Grasslands of highveld and coastal plains in eastern and central South Africa.

source: The Ultimate Ungulate Website