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• Mountain Reedbuck

Name

Mountain reedbuck (Redunca fulvorufula)

Order

Artiodactyla

Family

Bovidae

Appearance

The mountain reedbuck ram measures about 750 mm at the shoulder and has a mass of 24-36 kg, whereas ewes are slightly smaller with a weight of 15-36 kg. This antelope is medium sized, shy and elegant with long, narrow ears. Its head and shoulders are reddish-brown in colour. The rest of its body is largely grey, apart from its prominent white underparts. Only rams have horns which are curvy and pointing forward.

Mountain Reedbuck Diet

The mountain reedbuck requires an ample supply of freshwater and is a grazer.

Mountain Reedbuck Breeding

After a gestation period of eight months, ewes birth single lambs. Birthing periods in South Africa are mainly during the summer months. Young are fully grown at the age of two years, and ewes are sexually mature at an early 15 months.

Mountain Reedbuck Behaviour

The mountain reedbuck occur in small herds of three to eight, but groups of 30 have been spotted. Larger groups, although, appear to be temporary as it will split into smaller groups when alarmed or disturbed.

There is usually only a single adult ram in a family group, as young rams are forced to leave to form bachelor groups. When having reached sexual maturity, these young rams challenge territorial rams to mating opportunities. The mountain reedbuck runs with its tail raised, its rocking movements revealing its white underside.

Mountain Reedbuck Habitat

The mountain reedbuck prefers the mountainous areas of South Africa as its habitat. It rests in the mountain shade, feeds on the slopes and blends in with the bushes.

Where They Are Found

In a suitable habitat, the mountain reedbuck is quite common. It can be found on the mountain slopes of the Drakensberg, Gauteng, and the Karoo koppies along the upper Orange River.

Spoor Description

There is little to no difference between the spoors of the reedbuck and mountain reedbuck, although the mountain reedbuck’s spoor is slightly smaller.