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347 / Recently extinct
Bluebuck
Hippotragus leucophaeus
Its blue cast likely came from gray hair over dark skin rather than bright fur.
- Time range
- About 10,000 years ago–c. 1800
- Final stage
- Late 18th century
- Geographic range
- Coastal grassland · Western Cape, South Africa
01 / DEFINITION & ECOLOGY
What was Bluebuck?
Bluebuck (Hippotragus leucophaeus) was an extinct organism known from About 10,000 years ago–c. 1800, with a range in Coastal grassland · Western Cape, South Africa.
Life and ecology
This horse-antelope grazed winter-rainfall grasslands already restricted at European contact.
02 / DISAPPEARANCE
Why did Bluebuck disappear?
Agriculture removed habitat and hunting finished the remaining animals.
03 / EVIDENCE
How do scientists know about Bluebuck?
A few skins, skulls, horns, historical descriptions and DNA correct its appearance.
04 / SOURCES & FURTHER READING
Check the source record
Use the scientific name to compare taxonomy, occurrence records and the fossil record. Database coverage and classifications may differ.
05 / REVISION HISTORY
How has this record changed?
- Verified authoritative entity sources and added three responsive reconstruction sizes.
- Initial bilingual species record published.
06 / CORRECTIONS & ADDITIONS