East African Bushbuck

East African Bushbuck

(Tragelaphus scriptus massaicus)

Current all time records
SCI: Score 53 - Kenya, Aberdares - 10/66
Score 19 1/4 - Mau Forest, Kenya - 1971

Description: The dark brown to chestnut to hazel coat has a varied pattern of up to 7 white stripes and spots, depending on the subspecies. The face has 1-2 white cheek spots, small white stripes at the corners of the eyes, and a white muzzle. The bushy tail is white underneath. The horns are found only in the males, and grow 25-55 cm / 10-22 inches long. They are nearly straight, with one tight twist.

Other Common Names: Masai Bushbuck

Size:

Range: Parts of Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, and Tanzania, year round.

Natural History: Bushbuck may be active throughout the 24 hours of the day, although they tend to be nocturnal near human settlements. Using trails through dense jungle, the bushbuck ranges through a restricted "home" area, which may be only a few hundred meters / yards across. These home ranges overlap extensively, and it has been noted that the greater the population density, the smaller these home ranges are. Savannah densities have been recorded as over 25 animals per square kilometer, while forest densities are much smaller - only 4 animals per square kilometer. Males compete fiercely for females in estrous, but they are not territorial. Confrontations between males are composed of displaying and charging, followed by the locking of horns and vigorous twisting in an attempt to throw the opponent off balance. Stabbing with the horns has also been noted. The bushbuck is an excellent jumper, clearing 2 meter / 6.5 feet tall fences with ease, and swims well. The call resembles the bark of a dog.

Hunting Characteristics: