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Abstract
The grazing behaviour and forage preferences of blesbok on the Van Riebeek Nature Reserve near Pretoria are described. Species composition of the grass component of this grassland vegetation as well as its utilization by blesbok were determined by means of point surveys. Blesbok feed exclusively on grasses and show preferences for certain species. Their preferences on burned range differ from those on unburned range. Judging by preference ratings, Themeda triandra and Eragrostis curvula are the most important food plants of blesbok in this Reserve. Rotational burning appears to be essential in the management of blesbok herds kept under such conditions.
UITTREKSEL
Die weigedrag en weidingspesiesvoorkeur van blesbok by die Van Riebeek‐natuurreservaat naby Pretoria word beskryf. Sowel die spesiessamestelling van die graskomponent van die betrokke grasveldplantegroei as die benutting daarvan dear blesbok is deur middel van puntopnames bepaal. Blesbok blyk uitsluitlik gras‐vreters te wees en loon ook voorkeur vir spesifieke grasspesies. Hulle spesiesvoorkeur op gebrande veld verskil van dié op ongebrande veld. Voorkeursrangbepalings dui aan dat Themeda triandra en Eragrostis curvula die belangrikste spesies is vir sover dit blesbok in hierdie reservaat betref. Wisselbrand blyk essensieel te wees by die bestuur van blesboktroppe onder sodanige toestande.