Current all time records
SCI: Score 47 4/8 - R.S.A., n. Cape, Glober Ranch - 5/84
Rowland Ward: Score 16 3/4 - Cape Province, RSA - 1977

Description: The hair is soft and has a iridescent sheen. The body color is a deep purple-red with a white blaze on the face, a pronounced rump patch and a white tail. The horns are well developed in both sexes and are angular and ringed for most of their length (up to 18 inches).

Other Common Names:

Size:

Range: Only South Africa, year round.

Natural History: The bontebok is primarily diurnal, although there is a lull in activity during the hottest part of the day. In the past, herds would migrate between seasonal pastures, congregating in large numbers during the fall and winter. As males approach maturity, they form territories about 25-100 acres / 10-40 hectares in size. After their establishment, these areas are marked with scrapes in the ground as well as secretions from the preorbital glands. However, the most prominent markings are several large dung middens spread around the territory, on which the owner often rests. A male generally remains on his territory year-round. Conflicts between neighboring males over territorial boundaries are rare, consisting primarily of ritualized parallel displays. Small herds of females and their young circulate through 2 or 3 individual territories during the breeding season.

Hunting Characteristics: