
Blesbok
Damaliscus pygargus
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 facts
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.

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