Mammals diurnal

Bontebok/Blesbok

Damaliscus pygargus

Boasting a regal purple-brown coat and a signature white blaze, the Bontebok and Blesbok are the iconic sentinels of the African plains. Whether grazing on a suburban estate or roaming the fynbos, these elegant antelopes are a favorite for backyard wildlife enthusiasts.

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Quick Identification

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Size

Shoulder height: 85-100 cm (33-39 in); Weight: 55-80 kg (121-176 lbs)

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Colors

Rich chocolate brown coat with a purple-violet sheen; striking white facial blaze; white underbelly and inner legs; white 'socks' on lower legs.

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Key Features

Distinctive white facial blaze (often continuous in Bontebok, broken in Blesbok)
Lyre-shaped, heavily ringed black horns present in both sexes
Prominent white rump patch (pure white in Bontebok, lighter brown in Blesbok)
Sloping back with a higher wither than rump

When You’ll See Them

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Activity pattern diurnal

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Peak hours 6:00 AM - 9:00 AM and 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM

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Season Year-round

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Diet Strict grazers that specialize in short-to-medium length green grasses. They are particularly attracted to 'sweetveld' and areas that have recently been mown or burned, as they prefer the nutrient-rich new growth.

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Habitat Open grasslands, fynbos plains, and renosterveld. They are frequently found on golf courses, large suburban estates, and rural farms with ample open grazing space.

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Behavior

Bontebok and Blesbok are highly social grazers, typically moving in small herds led by a dominant male. They are well known for their territorial behavior; males will often stand on elevated ground, such as dung heaps or termite mounds, to monitor their surroundings and signal their presence to rivals. They are exceptionally fast runners, reaching high speeds across open plains when startled.

One of their more peculiar behaviors is 'sun-gazing' or head-nodding. During the heat of the day, members of the herd may stand together with their heads lowered toward the ground, which helps them regulate temperature and avoid the glare of the sun. While they are generally docile toward humans, they can be quite spirited within the herd, engaging in ritualized horn-clashing and chasing to maintain the social hierarchy.

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Camera Tips

To capture high-quality footage of Bontebok or Blesbok, you should mount your camera at roughly chest height (about 3 to 4 feet off the ground). Because these animals are constant grazers, they spend much of their time with their heads down. If you want to capture the face and those impressive lyre-shaped horns, aim the camera toward a known grazing patch or a path they use to reach water. An angle that looks slightly across the path, rather than directly at it, will give the camera's motion sensor more time to trigger before the animal passes by.

Lighting is the secret to making these animals look spectacular on camera. Their coats have a unique iridescent quality that appears almost purple in the right light. Set your camera to take photos or video during the 'golden hours'—shortly after sunrise and just before sunset. This low-angled light emphasizes the contrast between their white facial blazes and their dark coats. Avoid placing the camera facing directly into the sun, as the white markings on their faces can easily become 'blown out' or overexposed in bright daylight.

If you are on a large property or estate, look for 'latrines'—areas where males repeatedly deposit dung to mark their territory. These are high-traffic hubs for territorial males and offer a great opportunity to capture behavioral shots. Additionally, Blesbok are very curious; a camera mounted on a sturdy post in an open field might actually attract them to come in for a closer look. Ensure your camera is securely fastened, as they may occasionally use a post as a convenient scratching spot!

In the drier winter months, a camera placed near a water trough or a natural seep is almost guaranteed to see action. Since they move in herds, expect your camera to trigger many times in a row. Using a high-speed SD card and setting a short delay between captures (5-10 seconds) will allow you to see the social dynamics of the entire herd as they move past your lens in single file.

Similar Species

Species that look similar or are commonly confused with Bontebok/Blesbok.

Tsessebe

Tsessebe have a darker, more uniform coat and horns that curve outward and up rather than the lyre shape seen in Blesbok.

Springbok

Springbok are much smaller and feature a prominent dark brown horizontal stripe along their flanks, which Blesbok lack.

Frequently Asked Questions

Blesbok are diurnal, meaning they are most active during daylight hours. Their peak activity occurs in the early morning and late afternoon when temperatures are cooler for grazing. During the midday heat, they often stand still or rest in the shade.

If your property borders their natural range, the best way to attract them is by maintaining a patch of short, green grass. Providing a reliable water source or a salt lick can also encourage them to visit your camera site. Ensure your yard is free of fences that might block their natural movement corridors.

Blesbok are exclusive grazers. They prefer short, succulent grasses and will often move to areas where fresh growth is appearing after a rain or a fire. They rarely eat leaves from bushes or trees.

Yes, especially in South Africa. They are frequently found on golf estates, large residential plots, and nature reserves that sit adjacent to suburban developments in the Western Cape and Highveld regions.

Look at the white blaze on the face: in Bontebok, it is usually a solid white strip from the horns to the nose, whereas in Blesbok, there is often a brown horizontal break between the eyes. Bontebok also have a much whiter and more prominent rump patch.

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