National Conservation Zoo

Opening times today: 10am - 4:30pm (Last entry at 4pm)

About

The blesbok is an antelope built for speed and endurance, with a distinctive white blaze running down its face. Native to South Africa’s open grasslands, this species is highly social, living in large herds that move together like waves across the savannah.

Once heavily hunted for its hide and meat, the blesbok was on the verge of extinction. Thanks to conservation efforts and protective measures, populations have rebounded, and they are now classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. However, habitat loss and human expansion continue to pose challenges for this species.

Blesbok play a crucial role in maintaining grassland ecosystems. As grazers, they help manage vegetation and encourage new plant growth, supporting biodiversity in their habitat.

Blesbok, 1

Blesbok facts

SPECIES
I am a mammal

Blesbok belong to the Bovidae family, making them distant relatives of cattle, goats and sheep.

FOUND IN
South Africa

Once confined to small pockets of protected areas, blesbok now roam freely across much of South Africa.

HABITAT
Grasslands and open plains

Blesbok are built for life in the vast, open landscapes where they can keep a close eye out for predators.

DIET
Herbivore

Blesbok are grazers, feeding primarily on grasses. Their feeding habits help maintain healthy grassland ecosystems by encouraging new plant growth.

BEHAVIOUR
Social and territorial

Blesbok live in herds, with dominant males staking out territories and defending them fiercely during the breeding season. They’re known for their impressive speed and agility - perfect for escaping predators like lions and hyenas.

AVERAGE SIZE
1.7 - 2m long

Weighing between 60-70kg, blesbok are medium-sized antelopes built for endurance rather than brute strength.

LIFE SPAN
10 - 17 years

Can live longer in protected environments like zoos.

ZOO LOCATION
Heart of Africa
IUCN red list statusLeast Concern
Animal vulnerability index

Threats

Though no longer at risk of extinction, blesbok still face threats from habitat loss and human intervention. Conservation efforts remain essential to maintaining stable populations in the wild.

Threat Humans
Human intervention

Historically overhunted, conservation efforts have helped stabilise their numbers, but continued protection is needed.