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Communicate
"As an alarm response, the blesbok may make a kind of growling and snorting sound. Furthermore, this animal communicates mainly through scent signals such as urine and dung markings. The blesbok has scent glands under its eyes and under its paws that allow them to recognize each other by smells."
Discover in real lifeHabitat:
grasslands in southern Africa
Food:
grasses and herbs
Lifespan:
up to 17 years old
Weight:
♀ 55 to 70 kilograms ♂ 65 to 80 kilograms
Number of young:
1 young
Gestation period:
8 months
To be seen:
along the walking safari
IUCN:
safe
EEP:
yes
About the blesbok
The blesbok (Damaliscus pygargus phillipsi) is a goat antelope and gets its name from the white blaze on its head. The number of blesbok in the wild is increasing due to reduced hunting and protection of their habitat.
Habitat and threats
The blesbok lives in open grasslands in southern Africa. This antelope species is mainly found in the vast savannas of central and eastern South Africa. The blesbok prefers flat, open areas where they have a good view of predators.
Blesboks used to occur in much larger numbers, but intensive hunting and the expansion of agricultural land greatly reduced their numbers. Today they live mostly in protected wildlife areas and on private lands. Although the blesbok is not currently considered endangered, conservation of its grassland habitat remains essential to its survival. Desiccation of the landscape, overgrazing and habitat fragmentation pose continuing risks in this regard.
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Species conservation in Beekse Bergen
Fortunately, the status of the blesbok is least concern. But, unfortunately, many of the species you see in Beekse Bergen are endangered and struggling in their native habitats. Did you know that more than 10,000 animal species in the world are in danger of extinction? Together we can help them, with big, or small steps. Want to know how?