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bluebuck

The bluebuck or blue antelope (Hippotragus leucophaeus), sometimes called blaubok, is an extinct species of antelope, the first large African mammal to disappear in historic times. It is related to the roan antelope and sable antelope, but slightly smaller than either. It lived in the southwestern coastal region of South Africa savannas, but was more widespread during the last glacial. It was probably a selective feeder, preferring high-quality grasses.

Europeans encountered the bluebuck in the 17th century, but it was already uncommon by then. European settlers hunted it avidly, despite its flesh being distasteful, while converting its habitat to agriculture. The bluebuck became extinct around 1800. Only four mounted specimens remain, in museums in Vienna, Stockholm, Paris, and Leiden, along with some bones and horns elsewhere. None of the museum specimens shows a blue color, which may have derived from a mixture of black and yellow hair.

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Extinct Birds and Animals

类别 Animals

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