Blesbok live in the Highveld, where they eat short grasses, while bontebok are restricted to the coastal Fynbos and the Renosterveld.

Bontebok were once extensively killed as pests, and by the early 20th century were reduced to a wild population of just 17 individuals.

The species was saved from certain extinction when Dutch farmer Alexander van der Bijl corralled the remaining individuals into a fence, which they were unable to jump out of.

In 1931, this herd of 17 was transferred to Bontebok National Park, which was established for the explicit purpose of conservation of the species.

[6] While Bontebok are extinct in their natural habitat, they have increased in population to the point where they are now very abundant and avidly farmed, because they are popular quarry for hunters and are easy to sustain.