Species Overview

Kingdom: Animalia

Phylum: Chordata

Class: Mammalia

Order: Artiodactyla

Family: Bovidae

Genus: Redunca

Species: Redunca arundinum

Life Span: 10–12 years (in the wild)

Weight: 40–90 kg (88–198 lbs)

Height: 70–90 cm (28–35 inches) at the shoulder

Length: 1.2–1.8 meters (4–5.9 feet) (including tail)

Animal Behavior and Habits

Activity: Diurnal – most active during the early morning and late afternoon. Reedbucks tend to rest in the middle of the day to avoid the heat.

Feeding Habits: Herbivorous – graze on grasses, herbs, and shrubs. They are particularly fond of moist, succulent plants found near water sources.

Social Structure: Semi-social – males and females are often found in separate groups, with males being more solitary or forming bachelor herds. Females and young typically form small herds.

Hunting Approach: Reedbucks are usually shy and elusive. They are known to flee quickly if they sense danger but will often stop at a distance to assess the threat. They are excellent swimmers and can escape predators by jumping into water.

Habitat and Environment

Preferred Habitat: Grasslands, wetlands, and savannas with dense vegetation and close proximity to water sources like rivers, lakes, or marshes.

Water Sources: Always near water – Reedbucks rely on access to water for drinking, grazing, and cooling off.

Best Hunting Locations: Look for Reedbucks near waterholes, riverbanks, or marshes with tall grass or reeds, where they can hide and graze.

Tracks and Trails: Smaller than larger antelope species, Reedbuck tracks are round and neat with visible hooves. They often leave tracks near water and grazing areas.

Signs: Look for grazing areas where the grass is cropped evenly, and check for droppings near water sources or thick grass.

Hunting Time

Ideal Hunting Times: Early morning and late afternoon – Reedbucks are most active during these cooler parts of the day.

Breeding Season: Typically during the rainy season, when food is plentiful. Females give birth to a single calf after a gestation period of about 8–9 months.

Trophy Quality: Trophy hunting for Reedbuck focuses on males with large, thick horns that curve outward. Their horns are slender and typically spiral.

Use of Scent Lures: Scent lures are not commonly used for Reedbuck, but hunting can be effective when approaching them quietly near water or when they are feeding at dawn and dusk.