Species Overview

Kingdom: Animalia

Phylum: Chordata

Class: Mammalia

Order: Artiodactyla

Family: Bovidae

Genus: Tragelaphus

Species: Tragelaphus strepsiceros

Life Span: 10–15 years (in the wild)

Weight: 200–300 kg (440–660 lbs)

Height: 1.2–1.5 meters (4–5 feet) at the shoulder

Animal Behavior and Habits

Activity: Crepuscular – most active during dawn and dusk, though they can be active throughout the day in cooler weather.

Feeding Habits: Herbivores – primarily feed on leaves, fruits, grasses, and shrubs.

Social Structure: Live in small herds (6–12 individuals), typically with females and young, while adult males are more solitary.

Hunting Approach: Spot-and-stalk hunting, often using the terrain and cover of dense vegetation to approach.

Habitat and Environment

Preferred Habitat: Wooded savannas, forested areas, and riverine woodlands.

Water Sources: Found near rivers, streams, or waterholes.

Best Hunting Locations: Look for them in areas with good cover and access to water.

Tracks and Trails: Large cloven-hoof tracks, with deep impressions in soft ground.

Signs: Look for fresh browsing on shrubs, broken branches, and droppings near cover.

Hunting Time

Ideal Hunting Times: Early morning and late afternoon when they are most active.

Breeding Season: Mating season is year-round, with peak calving in the wet season (November–February). Males become more aggressive during this time.

Trophy Quality: Look for mature males with long, spiraled horns (typically 110–120 cm or 43–47 inches). Trophy-quality horns are thick and symmetrical.

Use of Scent Lures: Not typically needed, but may help attract males during the rut.