
Originally Posted by
Betsie Storm
And the face pattern, Morkel- if you have Chris & Tilde Stuart's field guide, have a look there for the comparison.
The two are subspecies; the bontebok was isolated in a small area (where the Reserve is now) and this subspecies with colouration/pattern distinction developed. The blesbok had a much wider distribution and roamed the grasslands in large numbers till indiscriminate hunting (I think early 1900's) reduced the numbers- now they only/mostly occur in reserves and on game farms. The two subspecies interbreed, which is a threat to keeping the bontebok gene pool clean; the two subspecies may not be kept in the same area.
This is what I recall, Ken, you may want to correct/add- they are in your neck of the woods:).