Reedbuck, type of antelope native to Africa. Scientists recognize three species of reedbuck: the bohor reedbuck, the southern or common reedbuck, and the mountain reedbuck.
 Found across central and southern Africa, reedbucks inhabit grassland regions ranging from lowland savannas to mountain plateaus as high as 5000 m (16,000 ft) above sea level. They may also inhabit open forests.
 Reedbucks are fawn-colored, except for their undersides, which are white, and their front legs, which may have dark and light markings. They have large eyes and ears and round bare patches marking glands beneath each ear. Males have pointed horns with a distinctly ringed surface.
 Reedbucks measure between 60 and 105 cm (24 and 41 in) at the shoulder and 110 to 160 cm (43 and 63 in) from the tip of the nose to the base of the tail. The bushy tail measures between 18 and 27 cm (7 and 11 in). Body weights range from 30 to 80 kg (66 to 176 lb). The horns grow as long as 45 cm (18 in).
 Reedbucks feed on grasses, fibrous reeds, and other plant material. Heavily dependent on water, bohor reedbucks and southern reedbucks spend most of their time near water, in floodplains, for example, but mountain reedbucks can survive with less water. All reedbucks are active either day or night.
 Reedbucks live alone or in small groups. Males often establish territories shared by up to five adult females, although females with young often live without males. Reedbucks communicate primarily with vocal calls, including a distinctive whistling. Bohor reedbucks display ritual mating behavior in which males and females execute a series of high jumps that resemble dancing. Mating occurs throughout the year, and gestation lasts about 7.5 months in bohor and southern species; the gestational period of the mountain reedbuck is unknown. Females typically give birth to a single offspring.
 The reedbuck, which is not as wary as many other types of antelope, has been widely hunted by humans. Hunting and loss of habitat to land development have significantly reduced the number of reedbucks. In addition to pressures from human activity, reedbucks are preyed upon by lions, leopards, cheetahs, and other predators.
 Scientific classification: Reedbucks belong to the family Bovidae, in the order Artiodactyla. The bohor reedbuck is classified as Redunca redunca, the southern or common reedbuck as Redunca arundinum, and the mountain reedbuck as Redunca fulvorufula.


By: Jenelle Pike

Mountain Habitat                Land Habitats              School Site
St. Joseph's Intermediate "Exploring Land Habitats" Project