I LIVE IN AFRICA
The bontebok is a rare antelope species native only to the southwestern region of South Africa. Although they were once native to the open savannas and coastal grasslands of South Africa, today the bontebok can almost exclusively be found only within the protected preserves of the Bontebok National Park and other conservation areas.
I AM AN HERBIVORE
Similar to wildebeests, who are also nomadic grazers, bontebok follow the seasonal rains around the southwestern South African region grazing on short grasses and plants.
BONTEBOKS ARE SOCIAL
Bonteboks are a somewhat social antelope species and can be found living in groups of up to 40 individuals. Bonteboks often form and travel in herds of all males or all females and their young.
A CONSERVATION TRIUMPH
At one point in the 1930s, the bontebok was considered the rarest antelope in the world with only 17 individuals remaining. However, through conservation work, this species has flourished and populations today have increased to around 3,500 individuals.
HELPING BONTEBOKS IN THE WILD
The bontebok at the Fort Wayne Zoo is enrolled in the Species Survival Plan (SSP). SSP is a program implemented by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) to help ensure a genetically viable population exists.
I AM IMPORTANT TO MY ECOSYSTEM
Bonteboks play a crucial role in their ecosystem as grazers. Because their diet consists mainly of fresh grasses, they aid in keeping the vegetation in their habitat under control.