Tragelaphus scriptus
Afrikaans : Bosbok
Zulu : Inkonka (ram) / Imbabala (ewe)
German : Buschbock
French : Guib
The dark brown to chestnut to hazel coat has a varied pattern of up to 7 white stripes and spots. The face has 1-2 white cheek spots, small white stripes at the corners of the eyes, and a white muzzle. The bushy tail is white underneath.
Bushbuck may be active throughout the 24 hours of the day, although they tend to be nocturnal near human settlements.
Using trails through dense woodlands, the bushbuck ranges through a restricted 'home' area, which may be only a few hundred meters / yards across. These home ranges overlap extensively, and it has been noted that the greater the population density, the smaller these home ranges are. Savannah densities have been recorded as over 25 animals per square kilometer, while forest densities are much smaller - only 4 animals per square kilometer.
Bushbuck show some signs of being social and move around in small groups of up to six animals. Single animals may come and go as they like. The area is normally run by a dominant male and the hierarchy seems to be determined by age. The most dominant male will threaten everyone, the next in line will threaten everyone except for the dominant male and so the rank continues.
Body Length: 100-150 cm / 3.3-5 ft.
Shoulder Height: 65-100 cm / 2.1-3.3 ft.
Tail Length: 30-35 cm / 12-14 in.
Weight: 25-80 kg / 55-175 lb.
Gender differences:
The horns are found only in the males, and grow 25-55 cm / 10-22 inches long. They are nearly straight, with one tight twist. Male coats seem to darken with age more than a female's.
Habitat:
They can be found in long grass, riverine bush or the thick vegetation found on hillsides and in gullies in most of Africa south of the Sahara. They are found in Swaziland, Botswana, Namibia, Zimbabwe and South Africa.
Diet:
They feed on grass, but only when it is fresh, as well as leaves, buds, and fruit. They will also dig for roots and tubers.
Reproduction:
Males compete fiercely for females in estrous, but they are not territorial. Confrontations between males are composed of displaying and charging, followed by the locking of horns and vigorous twisting in an attempt to throw the opponent off balance. Stabbing with the horns has also been noted.
Breeding occurs throughout the year. After a gestation period of about 6 months, the single young lies hidden away from its mother for the first few weeks of life. Weaning takes place after six months and sexual maturity at 11- 12 months.
Their life span is roughly 12 years.
Other:
The bushbuck is an excellent jumper, clearing 2 meter / 6.5 feet tall fences with ease, and swims well. The call resembles the bark of dog.
They are taken by lion, leopard and hyena. However, they are not defenseless and have been known to kill adult leopard. They can be very aggresssive, under certain circumstances.
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