# 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. - **Category:** [Mammals](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/mammal) - **Rarity:** Common - **Danger:** 2/5 · Low - **Habitat:** Grasslands - **Also known as:** Common Reedbuck, Reedbuck Antelope ![Reedbuck](https://res.cloudinary.com/drieglelr/image/upload/v1771424759/objects/6355.jpg) ## 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. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Animalia - **Phylum:** Chordata - **Class:** Mammalia - **Order:** Artiodactyla - **Family:** Bovidae - **Genus:** Redunca ## 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 - **Hear All:** Reedbucks have large, highly mobile ears that help them detect the faintest sounds of predators from far away. - **Scent Signpost:** 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 - **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](https://www.snappit.app/explore/spotted-hyena) (*Crocuta crocuta*) — Spotted hyenas often hunt young and adult reedbucks. - **Eaten by:** [African Wild Dog](https://www.snappit.app/explore/african-wild-dog) (*Lycaon pictus*) — African wild dogs are efficient predators. - **Shelter:** Umbrella Thorn Acacia (*Acacia tortilis*) — Reedbucks often seek shade and shelter under acacia trees. - **Symbiotic with:** [Plains Zebra](https://www.snappit.app/explore/plains-zebra) (*Equus quagga*) — Reedbucks sometimes graze with zebras for shared vigilance. ## Traits - [Social](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/social): Social animals live in organized groups, cooperating for survival benefits such as foraging, defense, and raising offspring. - [Antlered](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/antlered): Antlered describes animals possessing antlers, which are bony, branching growths found predominantly on male deer and related species. - [Horned](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/horned): Characterized by having one or more hard, permanent, pointed projections on the head. - [Camouflaged](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/camouflaged): Camouflaged describes organisms that possess coloring or patterns that allow them to blend into their environment. - [Grassland](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/grassland): Grassland habitats are terrestrial biomes dominated by grasses and herbaceous plants, supporting a variety of grazing animals. - [Herbivorous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/herbivorous): This trait characterizes organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of plant material. - [Diurnal](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/diurnal): Diurnal animals are primarily active during daylight hours, typically resting or sleeping at night. - [Keystone Species](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/keystone-species): Describes a species whose presence and role have a disproportionately large effect on its environment. ## Collections - [Mammals](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/mammals) ## Safety **Danger:** 2/5 · Low Admire reedbucks from a safe distance and avoid approaching them to prevent scaring them away. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How to identify Reedbuck? Compare ears, muzzle, tail, feet and coat markings. Size is hard to judge without something nearby for scale, and young mammals may not have adult coloring yet. Mammal Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details. ### How long is Reedbuck? 115-180 cm ### How much does Reedbuck weigh? 40-90 kg ### How long does Reedbuck live? 8-12 years ### How fast can Reedbuck move? 60 km/h ### What does Reedbuck eat? These herbivores munch mainly on fresh grasses and reeds found near water. ### Where is Reedbuck usually found? Grasslands ### How does Reedbuck hunt? Grazing ## More Mammals - [Eastern Fox Squirrel](https://www.snappit.app/explore/eastern-fox-squirrel) (*Sciurus niger*) - [Eastern Cottontail](https://www.snappit.app/explore/eastern-cottontail) (*Sylvilagus floridanus*) - [Eastern Chipmunk](https://www.snappit.app/explore/eastern-chipmunk) (*Tamias striatus*) - [California Ground Squirrel](https://www.snappit.app/explore/california-ground-squirrel) (*Otospermophilus beecheyi*) --- Source: [Reedbuck: Characteristics, Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/reedbuck)