Blesbok Hunting African Safaris

Blesbok

(Damaliscus dorcas phillipsi)

Current all time records
SCI: Score 54 1/4
Rowland Ward: Score 20 5/8 - Vryburg, N Cape, RSA - 1988

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.

Other Common Names:

Size:

Range: South Africa, but also introduced to Namibia and Zimbabwe; year round.

Natural History: 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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