The bushbuck (Tragelaphus sylvaticus) is a shy, solitary antelope and a close relative of the kudu and nyala, standing 0.7 m tall and weighing on average 54 kg. Its dark brown coat has greyish highlights and white spots on the flanks. Bushbuck are widespread in sub-Saharan Africa, are rarely found in open land, and are a welcome sighting on Kruger Park safaris.
Name
Bushbuck [Tragelaphus sylvaticus]
Appearance
Close relative to the Kudu and Nyala, the Bushbuck is a very beautiful and elegant animal, with rams sporting beautiful and large twisting horns. The base colour for the Bushbuck’s coat is dark brown with greyish highlights, white socks on the legs and white spots on the flanks. Bushbucks stand at a height of 0,7m and weighs at average 54kg’s.
The Bushbuck ewes are smaller and lighter in colour than the rams. The stripes and spots on the ewes are more prominent. Both rams and ewes have plenty of markings on the more mobile parts of their bodies, including their flanks, tail necks, chin and ears. The markings on the backs of the rams are used for display and dances, which prevents the rams from fighting.
Diet
Bushbuck are browsers and will very rarely consume grass. Though being very selective browsers, they will change their feeding preferences in order to survive.
Breeding
Bushbuck has a gestation period of about 6 months but have been known to give birth twice a year. The peak of birth is usually during the rainy time in dry areas. After the calf is born, the mother will clean it and then continue to consume the placenta.
The calf stays in its den and only follows the mother after four months old. When the calf suckles on the mother, the mother will sometimes consume the baby’s dung to conceal their scent and position. Ewes reach sexual maturity after about 12 months.
Behaviour
Usually active in the early mornings and before it gets very dark. In some cases, the Bushbuck becomes completely nocturnal if it gets threatened enough during the day. When threatened they will either fall down to the ground and lie flat, or they will run away, making a variety of hoarse barks. Though the Bushbuck can be active at night, it is also busy during the day. They spend most of their day browsing and standing and then slowly move to their dens before night falls. The Bushbuck is a solitary animal. Though their Home ranges do cross those of others, they prefer to live solitarily
Where can they be seen?
The Bushbuck is a shy and solitary animal that can be found widely spread along the Sub-Sahara. It has a few habitats in Eastern Africa but are very rarely found in open land. The Bushbucks in different areas have different preferences and coat colours. During Kruger Park Safaris, you can get tired of only seeing impala, so a sighting of a bushbuck is very welcome.
Predators
The Bushbuck has many predators including Leopards, Hyenas, Lions and Cheetahs. There are also cases where baboons eat the young but the Bushbuck prefer staying close to them to eat the fruit the baboons drop when feeding
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a bushbuck eat?
Bushbuck are browsers and very rarely eat grass. Although they are very selective browsers, they will change their feeding preferences when they need to in order to survive.
How can you tell a male bushbuck from a female?
Rams carry large twisting horns, while ewes are smaller and lighter in colour, with more prominent stripes and spots. The markings on the rams’ backs are used for display, which helps prevent the rams from fighting.
What does a bushbuck do when threatened?
It either drops to the ground and lies flat, or runs away making a variety of hoarse barks. If it is threatened enough during the day, a bushbuck may become completely nocturnal.
What animals prey on bushbuck?
Leopards, hyenas, lions and cheetahs prey on bushbuck, and baboons sometimes eat the young. Even so, bushbuck like to stay close to baboons to eat the fruit the baboons drop while feeding.
How long is a bushbuck pregnant?
About 6 months, and bushbuck have been known to give birth twice a year. The calf stays in its den and only starts following its mother after it is four months old.
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