blesbuck
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 A blesbuck (Damaliscus albifrons) in Kruger
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| Damaliscus albifrons |
The Blesbok, or Blesbuck, (Damaliscus albifrons) is a subspecies of the Bontebok and it is purplish antelope with a distinctive white face and forehead. They are close relatives of the Bontebok and are only found in South Africa (mostly in protected herds). They were first discovered in the 17th century, but it is not known whether this is because they are a relatively new species or because they have been so elusive.
There are not many alive today (one estimate puts the total world population at 120,000); however, it is reported that this number is increasing. This is likely due to a decrease in numbers being hunted for meat and because of the large amount of effort being put into conserving the land upon which they graze.
Physical Characteristics
The neck and the top of the back of the blesbuck are brown. Lower down on the flanks and buttocks, the coloring becomes darker. They belly, the inside of the buttocks and the area up to the base of the tail are white. Blesbucks can be easily differentiate from other antelopes because they have a distance white face and forehead. The legs are brown with a white patch behind the top part of the front legs. Lower legs whitish. Both sexes have horns, female horns are slightly more slender. The blesbok differs from the bontebok by having less white on the coat and the blaze on the face, which is usually divided. The length of their horns averages at around 38cm. Male adult blesboks average around 70kg, females average lower, at around 61kg. [1]
Habitat
Blesboks can be found in open velds and open plains of South Africa. Preferred habitat is open grasslandswith water.
Reproduction
The Blesbok is a seasonal breeder. Rutting occurs during March to May. Births peak during November and December after a gestation period of about 240 days(8months). Females give birth to single calves. [2]
Gallery
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 Juveniles |
External Links
A video of a mother blesbuck trying to save its offspring from a south china tigress
References
This entry is from Wikipedia, the leading user-contributed encyclopedia. It may not have been reviewed by professional editors (see full disclaimer)
