Bushbuck

The bushbuck is a beautiful, medium-sized antelope found in many parts of Africa. It has reddish-brown coat and white spots, and blends into forests and bushes where it quietly lives. Bushbucks are shy, solitary, and alert. Though not usually seen in groups, they are one of Africa’s most common antelopes.

 Scientific classification

• Kingdom: Animalia
• Phylum: Chordata
• Class: Mammalia
• Order: Artiodactyla
• Family: Bovidae
• Genus: Tragelaphus
• Species: Tragelaphus scriptus

There are over 40 subspecies of bushbuck, divided into two main groups:

• Cape Bushbuck (Southern species)
• Harnessed Bushbuck (Western & Central species)

Common names

• Bushbuck
• Forest antelope
• “Ẹlulu” or “Erin-odo” (in some Yoruba dialects)
• “Mbala” (in parts of East Africa)

 Geographic distribution

Bushbucks are found throughout sub-Saharan Africa, including:

• Nigeria, Ghana, Cameroon
• Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania
• South Africa, Zimbabwe, Mozambique

They live in:

• Forests and woodlands
• Riverbanks and swamps
• Thick bushes and grasslands

Image Showing Bushbuck standing quietly in forest underbrush (Source: Destination Uganda)

Physical characteristics

Bushbucks have:

• Reddish-brown to dark brown coats, often with white spots or stripes
• White patches on the throat, legs, and face
• Long, spiral horns in males (females have no horns)
• Strong legs for jumping and moving through thick bush

Size:

• Height: About 70–100 cm at the shoulder
• Weight: Males up to 80 kg, females smaller
• Lifespan: 10–12 years in the wild

Behavior and lifestyle

Bushbucks are mostly solitary. Even when seen in the same area, each one moves alone.

• Active both day and night, but prefer early morning and evening
• Use bush cover for safety and hide when they feel danger
• Excellent jumpers, can leap over 2 meters when escaping predators
• Communicate with sharp barks when alarmed

What do bushbucks eat?

Bushbucks are browsers, which means they feed mostly on:

• Leaves
• Twigs and shrubs
• Fruits
• Herbs and flowers

They rarely graze like other antelope and prefer feeding inside forests or bushy areas.

 Fun facts

• Bushbucks are one of the most widespread antelope species in Africa.
• They are excellent swimmers and cross rivers easily.
• Males are very territorial and can fight with their horns.
• Their white spots and stripes help them blend into the shadows.
• They are silent movers, making them hard to spot in the wild.

Importance to Humans

Bushbucks play an important role in the ecosystem and to communities:

• Help control plant growth through browsing
• Are prey for lions, leopards, pythons, and hyenas
• Sometimes hunted for bushmeat, especially in rural areas
• Featured in African stories and folktales for their beauty and cleverness

Some farmers may see them as pests if they enter farms, but they usually avoid humans.

 Health & common issues

In the wild or in captivity, bushbucks may face:

Common Issues:

• Tick-borne diseases (like heartwater or anaplasmosis)
• Wounds from fights or predator attacks
• Parasites such as roundworms or flukes
• Stress or shock when caught or relocated

Veterinary Needs (in sanctuaries or farms):

• Parasite control (dipping or deworming)
• Clean shelter with quiet space
• Gentle handling to avoid fear or injury
• Proper diet of browsed plants and leaves

Conservation status

Bushbucks are currently listed as Least Concern by the IUCN.

However, they still face threats like:

• Habitat loss from farming and deforestation
• Hunting for meat or traditional use
• Snare traps and illegal poaching in some areas

Conservation actions include:

• Protected reserves and national parks
• Anti-poaching patrols
• Public education to reduce illegal hunting

Image Showing Male bushbuck peering through thick undergrowth with sunlight on its back (Source: Shutterstock)

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