NATURAL HISTORY OF SOUTH AFRICA 



again to the north in the summer in time for the 

 calving, which occurred in October and November. 

 The reason for this periodic migration was beeauFe 

 the frosts of winter killed off the grass of the veld 

 in the northern districts, thus depriving this animal 

 of its food supply. On the contrary the highly 

 nutritious herbage of the Karoo-veld flourishes during 

 the winter time, and in the past afforded sustenance 

 for hosts of herbivorous animals, the majority of 

 which otherwise would have perished from starvation. 



The Blesbok is a keenly observant animal, and 

 its powers of scent are acute, and in consequence 

 it is a most difficult creature to stalk. When dis- 

 turbed it invariably retreats at a rapid, heavy canter 

 up-wind, with its head held low and nose near the 

 ground. The Blesbok averages 3 feet in height at 

 the shoulders. The body is strongly built. 



The only other antelope for which it can be 

 mistaken is its very close relative, the Bontebok, 

 which is similar in shape and size. The Blesbok, 

 however, differs considerably from its relative in its 

 colouration and markings. Its body colour is more 

 reddish than that of the Bontebok, and lacks the dark 

 blackish-purple gloss of the latter. The Bontebok 

 is pure white on the under parts, which are sharply 

 distinguished from the dark sides. The white 

 extends between the hind-legs and forms a prominent 

 white rump patch. The absence of these markings 

 in the Blesbok distinguish it at once from the 

 Bontebok. 



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