Reedbuck
Mountain reedbuck ( Redunca fulvorufula )
The reedbuck ( Redunca ) are a genus of African Bovidae ( Bovidae ), which are closely related to the waterbuck. The genus includes three species.
Features
Reedbuck reach a body length of 1.1 to 1.6 meters, a shoulder height of 60-105 cm and a weight of 20 to 95 kilograms. Their fur color varies at the top of light brown to gray, the underside is white, as is the bottom of the short, bushy tail. Only the males have horns, those 20 to 40 centimeters long, curved upwards and directed at the head forward.
Distribution and habitat
Reedbuck are located in sub-Saharan Africa, their range extends from Senegal and Ethiopia to South Africa. Their habitat are predominantly savannas and light forests.
Way of life
Reedbuck usually stay close to the water, and are for example often found in reed beds. However, they can not swim well. They are mainly crepuscular and nocturnal. The food of these animals consists of grasses.
About the social behavior there is different information. Males often live solitary, their territory overlaps with the one and five females; sometimes they are found in pairs as well. During the dry season, it can also result in the formation of larger groups of up to 20 animals.
Reproduction
The pairing can take place throughout the year, just to the south of its range, most births fall from December to May After a seven-to eight-month gestation period the female gives birth to usually a single young is born. At birth it keeps to himself and pulls the newborn in the first few months alone great. Sexual maturity occurs with nine to 24 months.
Endangering
The hunting is the main threat to the reedbuck dar. Although they are territorial as become rare, but overall, none of the three species are threatened.
System
The closest relatives of reedbuck are also bound to the water waterbuck. Together with these and the Rehantilope they form the subfamily of Reduncinae within the family Bovidae ( Bovidae ).
There are three types ::
- Common reedbuck ( Redunca redunca )
- Big reedbuck ( Redunca arundinum )
- Mountain reedbuck ( Redunca fulvorufula )