The Bontebok {Damaliscus Dorcas}

The Bontebok was once considered to be the rarest antelope in the world but careful conservation has ensured its survival. Today the Bontebok is only found in protected areas in South Africa.

The hair is soft and has a iridescent sheen. The body color is a deep purple-red with a white blaze on the face and a white tail. The horns are well developed in both sexes and are angular and ringed (up to 18 inches).

Quick Facts

Name: Damaliscus dorcas

Diet Description: Grazers, feeding on short grasses.

Habitat: Bontebok prefer short grass plains in fynbos areas.

Distribution: Once considered to be the rarest antelope in the world but careful conservation has ensured its survival. Only found in protected areas in South Africa.

Socialisation: Males have small territories, possibly occupied for life. Females wander the territories in groups of +/- 3. Also found in large herds containing young animals of both sexes.

Reproduction: Females become sexually mature at about 2 years of age. Males compete for females through postural displays and ritualistic sparring with the horns.

Gestation: 7 to 8 months.
Give birth to a single young.