Bushbuck

The Bushbuck By Jordan Springer

Although it is not a very well-known animal, the Bushbuck is a very interesting member of the African antelope family. Their colors vary, as they have over forty varieties. Their range covers much of eastern Africa, though it curves along the southeastern part of the country and extends slightly into the southern area. We will likely see southern Africa’s version of the Bushbuck, the Imbabala. This is the more common type of Bushbuck. This subspecies’ color varies as well, darkening or lightening in relation to the environment the animal is in. We will likely see the Bushbuck in its southern coloration, which is a lighter, yellowish color. All subspecies and colorations of the animal have one thing in common: their patterning. All Bushbucks sport a white band at the base of their necks, as well as spots of white on various parts of their bodies, including but not limited to: the chin, tail, legs, and neck. And finally, perhaps their most distinct feature: Bushbucks have spiraling, curved horns atop their heads. They are one of the few members of the antelope family to have horns that spiral.

Unlike many antelopes, Bushbucks are solitary animals. They have established “home ranges” or areas where they live and find food. Because they are not very defensive of their territory, Bushbucks often share parts of their home ranges with others of their species and often live in singles or pairs. Their home range can be in a great variety of places. They can live almost anywhere, but the environment must be something that can conceal them, and so forestry or thick brush is preferred. This is due to their rather shy nature. However, when attacked, they can be aggressive, using their sharp horns to defend themselves. For this reason, they are considered by hunters to be dangerous quarry.

Bushbucks do not start out dangerous. Like all animals, they begin their lives small and defenseless. Although it increases in the rainy season, the birth rate, like many of the Bushbucks’ characteristics, varies with the environment of the animal. Bushbuck females have a gestation period of around six months, enabling them to reproduce up to two times a year. Like most mothers, animal or not, the mothers work very hard to protect and nurture their children. After birth, the baby’s mother will help them by hiding them and doing a variety of disgusting things, including eating the placenta and the baby’s waste in order to keep it hidden from predators. At four months, the young bushbuck is able to join the mother in her life. At eleven months for males (rams) and fourteen for females (ewes) the bushbucks are able to mate. Typically, they don’t do this until the age of three.

Fortunately, these amazing animals are not in any danger. Although they have many predators including the big cat family, alligators, and even baboons, the only danger they face from humans is being hunted. In addition to predators and hunting, Bushbucks also face common diseases, which have lowered their numbers in the last few centuries. Overall, the Bushbuck population is stable and healthy.