
Description
Full grown Mountain Reedbucks weigh about 30 kg (66 pounds). Males produce curved horns with rings that average 30-45 cm ( 12-18 inches). They are approximately 80 cm (30 inches) wide at the shoulders. They can easily be recognized by a round bare spot under each ear. These beautiful animals have gray colored coats with bright white underbellies. Their head and shoulders are reddish-brown and they have large eyes and ears.
Habitat
They normally live in herds of five with one mature male and four females. Younger males are pushed out of their herds and form small groups of bachelor herds. When the dry seasons approach the herds sometimes grow to thirty members. These antelopes are diurnal meaning they are mainly active during the day and sleep during the night, although when the extreme heat of the day approaches they become inactive. They can often be seen along the mountainsides grazing in the sun near a water drainage area.
Characteristics
These antelopes are very shy and nervous animals. They communicate vocally with whistling noises.
Predators
With increased land development and hunting, the numbers of these animals have significantly declined. Along with man's activities, they are preyed upon by cheetahs, lions and leopards. National Parks in South Africa keep some of these antelopes protected from hunters and land developers.
Picture of the reedbuck licensed under GFDL
Keywords: white , brown , horn , diurnal
The Mountain reedbuck is listed as Least Concern. Does not qualify for a more at risk category. Widespread and abundant taxa are included in this category, on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species
Countries
Botswana, Cameroon, Ethiopia, Kenya, Lesotho, Mozambique, Nigeria, South Africa, Sudan, Swaziland, Tanzania and UgandaSome facts about the
Mountain reedbuck
Adult weight : 30 kg (66 lbs)
Maximum longevity : 15 years
Female maturity :388 days
Male maturity : 335 days
Gestation : 216 days
Litter size : 1
Litters per year : 1
Interval between litters : 353 days
Weight at birth : 3 kg (6.6 lbs)

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