Blesbok or Bontebok.


Blesbok or Bontebok.		Cape of Good Hope.
Blesbok or Bontebok.		Cape Peninsula.
	Bontebok relaxing at Olifantsbos in the Cape of Good Hope. Bontebok and blesbok look almost exactly the same. Still, up until recently the two were considered separate species. Now, it has been found that they are so closely related that they can be considered subspecies. Farmers in the western Cape have introduced the blesbok in areas that originally held only bontebok - hybridization or mixed breeding between the two has taken place.
Since they are found in different areas of southern Africa, one doesn't usually have to try to distinguish between them. It seems that at one time, both subspecies had a common ancestor that lived throughout southern Africa. But somewhere along the line - probably due to changes in climate - the one population split into two. Separated from one another, these in turn developed subtle changes, so that today we see them as different subspecies.

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	Some differences between the two: The blesbok lacks the purplish gloss of the bontebok, and its white face blaze is divided by a narrow band reaching down between the eyes. The bontebok also has completely white socks on all four feet, while the outer areas of the blesbok's limbs are dark brown. But it is its bright, white rear-end that best distinguishes the bont from the bles. The Bontebok is said to be the 'most handsomest' of all antelope. The picture left clearly demonstrate the appearance of a bontebok, with its big horns and bright, white rear-end. Notice the rich coastal fynbos in the background.







	Text adapted from WebCam AfriCam Services (Pty) Ltd). http://www.africam.com/Articles/FieldGuide/ MammalGuide/Herbivores/ Bontebok/bontebokindex.htmll l



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