Southern reedbuck

Description:

The Southern reedbuck is a graceful, medium-sized antelope with a coarse coat that varies in coloring with the individual animal from dark brown to light buff. The underparts are white. The photos shows two males found in the park. The male in #4 and 5 is very emaciated and probably sick. The rains started early this year, so there were sufficient food. Lets just hope he had a good life...

Habitat:

Meadowland and sparse mixed forest. There were areas nearby where the high grass had been burnt off, and new shoots of grass thrived after the recent rains.

Notes:

Reedbuck is a common name for African antelopes from the genus Redunca.These species are: Southern reedbuck, Redunca arundinum, Mountain reedbuck, Redunca fulvorufula and Bohor reedbuck, Redunca redunca. Females are a little smaller than males and do not grow horns, but are otherwise similar. Usually they live solitary or in pairs, sometimes in small family groups. The male defends his territory, excluding other males but not fighting seriously enough to cause injury. Breeding takes place throughout the year, but with seasonal peaks; most births take place December-May. The single young stays with the mother until shortly before the birth of the next. Lifespan about 10 years.