Blesbok

Afrikaans name: Blesbok

Blesbok with two juveniles

Photo © Steven Herbert

Damaliscus pygargus phillipsi

Interesting facts about Blesbok

The Blesbok gets its name from the Afrikaans word 'bles' which means blaze. This relates to the white face of this antelope.

The Blesbok is very similar to the Bontebok and they are in fact close related.

Blesbok are most often seen in areas of open grassland.

Male and females are very similar in looks although males are slightly bigger. A male Blesbok can weigh up to 70 kg and stands about 90 cm at the shoulder.

Being a mid-sized antelope they are prone to predation by a number of species including Lions, Leopards, Wild Dog, Spotted Hyena and Cheetah.

The preferred diet of the Blesbok is short grass.

Photo © nomisg - Fotolia.com

Above - A young Blesbok feeling frisky

Photo © Steven Herbert

Above - Blesbok seem to have a habit of dozing during the heat of summer days. They either lay in the grass or stand with their heads down and take a nap.

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References and further reading

African Wildlife - A photographic safari - Author: Nigel and Wendy Dennis - Year Published: 1999 - Page: 60

An Introduction to the Larger Mammals of Southern Africa - Author: Joanna Dalton - Year Published: 1987 - Page: 219

Chris and Tilde Stuart's Field Guide to the Mammals of Southern Africa - 1st Edition - Author: Chris and Tilde Stuart - Year Published: 1988 - Page: 208

Field Guide to the Cradle of Humankind - Author: B. Hilton-Barber & Prof. L. R. Berger - Year Published: 2004 - Page: 164

Field Guide to the Larger Mammals of Africa - 1st Edition - Author: Chris and Tilde Stuart - Year Published: 1997 - Page: 154

Field Guide to the Mammals of Southern Africa - 3rd Edition - Author: Chris and Tilde Stuart - Year Published: 2001 - Page: 208

Land Mammals of Southern Africa - A field guide - Author: Reay HN Smithers - Year Published: 1986 - Page: 163

Mammals of Southern Africa - Author: Burger Cillier - Year Published: 1987 - Page: 95

Mammals of the Kruger and other National Parks - Author: The National Parks Board - Year Published: 1980 - Page: 128

Reader's Digest Illustrated Guide to the Game Parks and Nature Reserves of Southern Africa - 2nd edi - Author: Editor - Alan Duggan - Year Published: 1991 - Page: 415

Signs of the Wild - 3rd Edition - Author: Clive Walker - Year Published: 1986 - Page: 175

Signs of the Wild - 5th Edition - Author: Clive Walker - Year Published: 1996 - Page: 160

Wildlife of Southern Africa - Author: Martin Withers and David Hosking - Year Published: 2011 - Page: 234

List of South African Mammals