South African Antelope Confusion

joanstewart(74)

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Bontebok vs Blesbok Antelope

Difference between these two antelope is confusing when seeing them out on in the open grasslands, to start with Blesbok are more abundant whereas the Bontebok are vulnerable, sightings in private game reserves certain markings are the only thing to tell them apart.

Bontebok has a greater area of white around the back rump, with lower legs are mostly completely white. Bontebok eyes are not as visible, with a white patch marking that usually meets a white patch marking from above the eyes meeting.

Darker shading on the Bontebok almost going into purple indicates the possibility of right identification, being related to the Blue Duiker.

First to photo's captured at the Tala Nature Reserve, this I think may be a Bontebok. Second two photo's taken at Oribi Gorge look to be blesbok on the move in a bigger herd of antelope.

The photography may all be of the Blesbok and not a Bontebok, that is what makes nature interesting. Slightest difference could be a huge difference at the end of the day.

Blesbok are farmed, meat is popular in making venison biltong, popular on farms where hunters are allowed to shoot for game hunting, I do not support hunting, each to their own, I enjoy biltong, therefore will not critisize the hunter, biltong does not just magically appear on shelves!

Blesbok are plentiful one of the three most seen antelope grazing on grass or down at the waters edge, they are seen throughout South Africa, with good breeding, farming the Blesbok is more often than not the antelope you will see.

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Thought for Today: ** "You cannot chase two antelope at once." ~ Zulu Proverb**

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