Head to head
Blesbok vs Topi
The blesbok and topi are both members of the same broader antelope group found on African grassland, but their signature markings and history set them apart.
| Blesbok | Topi | |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific name | Damaliscus pygargus phillipsi | Damaliscus lunatus |
| Signature feature | White facial blaze | Purplish coat sheen |
| Notable behaviour | None comparable | Uses termite mounds as lookouts |
| Conservation history | Recovered from near extinction | Consistently widespread |
| Native range | South Africa | Much of sub-Saharan Africa |
| Conservation status | Least Concern | Least Concern |
| Population trend | Increasing | Decreasing |
| Habitat | Grassland, savanna | Savanna, grassland |
Blesbok vs Topi: common questions
Are the blesbok and topi closely related?
Yes, both species belong to the same genus, Damaliscus, a group of African grassland antelope, despite the blesbok being restricted to South Africa and the topi ranging much more widely across sub-Saharan Africa.
How can you tell a blesbok from a topi?
The blesbok has a distinctive white blaze running down its face, while the topi lacks this marking and instead has a distinctive purplish sheen to its reddish-brown coat.
Why is the blesbok considered a conservation success story, unlike the topi?
The blesbok was reduced to only a small number of individuals by the late 1800s before recovering almost entirely through private game ranching in South Africa, a dramatic turnaround not needed by the more consistently widespread topi.