Average weight of the male is about 75 kg (165lbs) and female about 52 kg (115 lbs). Average shoulder height is 92 cm (37 in) high. Life expectancy is about 11 years.

Identification

Colouring is very similar to that of the blesbok but with the difference that the white on the bontebok is a more pure white comparing to a yellow- white on the blesbok. The coat of the bontebok is a chocolate brown colour with white underside, blaze and legs up to the knees. It also has a distinctive white patch around its tail. The horns are ringed three quarters the way up with smooth tips.Both sexes have horns.

Difference between male and female: Male is slightly larger than the female with heavier horns.

Habits

Diurnal, grazing in the early mornings and late afternoons, resting in the shade when hot. During cooler weather, they will be active for much longer. Bontebok feeds on grasses and prefers open areas in coastal fynbos. They form female herds, bachelor herds and solitary territorial males. They are not good jumpers but good at crawling under fences. Prefer to walk in single file to and from watering holes.

Breeding

Gestation period is about +-8 month’s where after a single calf is born during September – November.Average weight of males is about 60 kg (132 lbs.) and females 50 kg (10 lbs.) Shoulder height averages at about 92 cm (37 in). Life expectancy is about 10 years.

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