Reedbuck

Redunca redunca

Reedbucks are graceful antelopes found in the grasslands of Africa. They have distinctive forward-curving horns and a reddish-brown coat that helps them blend into tall grasses.

Habitat: Grasslands

Appearance

The Reedbuck has a shaggy, grey-brown coat with a white belly and a distinct white stripe above its eyes. Males sport short, ridged, forward-curving horns, and both sexes feature large, round ears that help distinguish them from other antelopes.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassMammaliaOrderArtiodactylaFamilyBovidaeGenusRedunca

Reedbuck

Interesting facts

Baby reedbucks are called 'calves' and can stand within minutes of being born.

Male reedbucks make a loud, whistling alarm call to warn others of danger.

Reedbucks often freeze and hide in tall grass when threatened, relying on camouflage!

They love to graze on fresh, green grasses near water sources in the savanna.

Special abilities

Reedbucks have large, highly mobile ears that help them detect the faintest sounds of predators from far away.

Reedbucks have special scent glands near their eyes that they use to mark their territory and communicate.

Measurements & details

Length: 115-180 cm
Weight: 40-90 kg
Lifespan: 8-12 years
Top Speed: 60 km/h
Litter Size: 1
Gestation: 210-240 days

Diet & Feeding

These herbivores munch mainly on fresh grasses and reeds found near water.

Primary Foods

grasses
reeds
sedges
young shoots

Foraging Method

Grazing

Ecological connections

eaten by

Lion

Panthera leo

Lions are a primary predator of adult reedbucks.

eaten by

Spotted Hyena

Crocuta crocuta

Spotted hyenas often hunt young and adult reedbucks.

eaten by

African Wild Dog

Lycaon pictus

African wild dogs are efficient predators.

shelters

Umbrella Thorn Acacia

Acacia tortilis

Reedbucks often seek shade and shelter under acacia trees.

symbiotic with

Plains Zebra

Equus quagga

Reedbucks sometimes graze with zebras for shared vigilance.

Traits

Social

Discover creatures that love to live and work together! These animals form groups, helping each other find food, stay safe, and raise their young.

Antlered

Spot animals with amazing, branching growths on their heads called antlers! These are usually found on deer and are shed and regrown each year.

Horned

Look for animals that proudly wear horns, which are amazing natural crowns!

Camouflaged

Look closely for animals that are masters of disguise, blending perfectly into their surroundings! Their colors and patterns help them hide from others.

Grassland

These wide-open spaces are covered in grasses, often home to grazing animals and incredible predators! Experience the vastness of the plains.

Herbivorous

Meet the peaceful munchers and grazers who find all their nourishment from plants, leaves, and fruits. They transform plant energy into life!

Diurnal

Wake up with creatures that are most active during the day! They love the sunshine for finding food, playing, and exploring.

Keystone Species

Discover the hidden heroes of nature! These special species play an incredibly important role in their habitat, holding the entire ecosystem together like a crucial piece of a puzzle.