African Common Reedbuck

Common Reedbuck

(Redunca arundinum)

Current all time records
SCI: Score 35 1/8
Rowland Ward: Score 19 1/4 - Highflats, KZ-Natal, RSA - 1999

Description: The body is light brown to grey-brown in colour, with the undersides white. Facial markings include whitish rings around the eyes, and a light chin, while the insides of the ears are lined with white hair. There is a small bare glandular patch at the base of the ears which is black in colour. There is a dark stripe down the front of each foreleg, and the bushy tail has a bright white, fluffy underside. The horns, found only in males, are strongly ridged, and curve backwards, upwards, and finally forwards, forming a "V" when viewed from the front. These grow 25-46 cm / 10-18.4 inches long.

Other Common Names: Southern Reedbuck

Size:

Range: Across south-central Africa and south to eastern South Africa; year round.

Natural History: Largely nocturnal in the wet season, the southern reedbuck may be active throughout the day in the dry season. If startled, reedbucks take flight with an odd rocking-horse movement, although they generally stop after a short distance to look back. Old bucks are permanently territorial, holding an area of 35-60 hectares, and generally escort a single female, preventing contact with rival males. Females and young males have an "appeasement dance" which they perform for adult males. This consists of running around at high speed and making long, floating jumps. During this display, the tail is curled upwards, and at every bounce scented air is released from a pocket in the groin, creating a popping sound. During the dry season, populations converge in lowlands near bodies of water, with individual home ranges varying in size from 5-65 hectares. As the rains moisten the landscape, they disperse widely. Average lifetime home ranges have been estimated as 123 hectares for females and 74 hectares for males. Although they live in close proximity to water, reedbucks rarely enter it. The main vocalizations are a shrill whistle and a clicking noise, while scent trails through the tall grass are thought to be the main identifiers of the whereabouts of individuals.

Hunting Characteristics: