Blesbok Skull
Species: Damaliscus Pygargus Phillipsi
Range: South Africa
Size: 3ft Tall; 175 lb Max
Skull Measures Roughly 13" Long (Antlers are removeable!)
 
The Damaliscus pygargus phillipsi, commonly known as the white-bearded wildebeest or Cookson's wildebeest, is a subspecies of the blue wildebeest found in Tanzania and Kenya. This subspecies is distinguished from others by its long, white beard and slightly curved horns in both sexes. They typically weigh between 130 and 180 kg and stand about 1.2 meters tall at the shoulder. The white-bearded wildebeest is a grazer and feeds mainly on grasses.
 
These wildebeests are social animals and live in herds that can range in size from a few individuals to thousands. During the breeding season, males engage in impressive displays to attract females, including running around and jumping high into the air while grunting loudly. Females give birth to a single calf, usually between January and March, after a gestation period of around 8 months.
 
The white-bearded wildebeest is an important species for both ecological and economic reasons. They play a vital role in maintaining the grasslands ecosystem by grazing and fertilizing the soil. Additionally, they are a popular game animal and are hunted for meat and sport, which provides important income for local communities. However, habitat loss and hunting have led to a decline in their numbers, and conservation efforts are necessary to ensure their continued survival.