Bontebok, Damaliscus dorcas. Cape Point, South Africa.

	Bontebok.		Cape Point. South Africa.
	Damaliscus dorcas.
	Bontebok grazing at Olifantsbos, Cape Point. The bay in the background is at the start of the Olifantsbos walk.

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			Cape Point.

			Cape Town
	Bontebok is one of the eight species of antelope in Cape Point. They are fascinating animals that were endangered for many years and very nearly became extinct. The Bontebok is the rarest antelope in Africa. Its survival is an inspiration to conservationists all over the world. In the 1830s, after extensive hunting and habitat deprivation, the bontebok teetered on the verge of extinction. In fact in 1913 there were only 84 left. However, by 1961 there were 800. Continue the tour for the full conservation history or click on this link: Conservation Success - Rarest Antelope.








Subsequently it has become clear that the Bontebok and Blesbok is the same species! Physical Characteristics 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). Size of average adult; weight: 135 pounds for males, length : 47 - 81 inches from head to tail. Diet: grass. Behavior: Males have small territories, possibly occupied for life. Females wander the territories in groups of about 3. Also found in large herds containing young animals of both sexes. Normal gait lumbering cantor, maximum speed 43 miles per hour. Most activity during early morning and early evening. Seasonal migrations in some areas. Reproduction: sexual maturity 2-3 year. Males compete for females through postural displays and ritualistic sparring with the horns. Mating season: March or April (start of the long rains). Gestation: 7-8 months, usually single births, occurring September - December.
Environmental/Global: Habitat: grassland and sparsely timbered regions. Distribution: South Africa. Numbers: 15 000 (1991) Once considered to be the rarest antelope in the world but careful conservation has ensured its survival. Status: Endangered, CITES Appendix II; excess hunting, agricultural encroachment, competition with domestic stock for forage and water.

		Cape of Good Hope Virtual Tour.


Text adapted from: (1) WebCam AfriCam Services (Pty) Ltd). http://www.africam.com/Articles/FieldGuide/MammalGuide/Herbivores/ Bontebok/bontebokindex.htmll (2). Dean Foy. Bontebok Damaliscus dorcas. Sedgwick County Zoo. http://www.scz.org/animals/b/bontbok.html
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	Where to go?
	Where to go?

		Smoked Salmon Salad at the Beach Hotel Kitchen.	Noordhoek Beach for Kommetjie Area.

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Bontebok.

Damaliscus dorcas.