Former distribution: As now.
Present distribution: Cape Province of South Africa (Bontebok National Park Swellendam, De Hoop Game Farm, Cape National Park, Private Game Farm Van der Byl and van Breda), and in Orange Free State, south and west Transvaal, west Natal and south Botswana.
Behaviour:
See Hunters LeierantilopePopulation status: Rare. Estimated numbers: over 1000 head of Bontebok, Blesbok, no records.
Brief notes:
Body weight: 80-100 kg
Head and body length: 140-160 cm
Tail length: 35-45 cm
Shoulder height: 85-100 cm
Gestation period: 7 1/2 months
Maximum age: Up to 14 years (17 years in captivity)
Hunting methods: Stalking.
Subspecies: 2
1. Bontebok Damaliscus d. dorcas Cape Province of South Africa. Rare. Estimated numbers: over 1000. Trophy: Record SCI: 47 5/8 score, 1984, RSA, MARGE MOSS. RW's: 16 3/4, British Museum; average 14".
2. Blesbok Damaliscus d. phillipsi South Africa: Orange Free State, southern and western Transvaal, western Natal, southern Botswana. Estimated numbers: no records, but well managed on private farms and game reserves. Stable. Introduced into Texas, USA.
Trophy: Record SCI: 52 7/8 score, 1 985, South Africa, ALBERT A. CHERAMIE; average 39 score. RW's: 20", South Africa, R.L. BRYANT; average 15 1/2".
Remarks: Both subspecies became nearly extinct in the wild, but after protection and reintroduction to both private and State game farms and parks their numbers again increased and are now stable. Both males and females carry horns.
