The Reedbuck is a medium-sized African antelope recognized for its shy nature, boundless agility, and strong association with wet grasslands, floodplains, and reedbeds—hence its name. Belonging to the family Bovidae and the genus Redunca, there are three distinct species: the Southern Reedbuck (Redunca arundinum), the Bohor Reedbuck (Redunca redunca), and the Mountain Reedbuck (Redunca fulvorufula). Each is adapted to slightly different elevations and regions but shares similar ecological traits and behaviors.
Reedbucks are built for stealth and sprinting. They have a compact, muscular frame with long hind legs that give them a bounding gait when fleeing predators. The Southern Reedbuck, the largest of the three, can weigh up to 95 kg (210 lbs) and reach shoulder heights of around 80–90 cm (31–35 in). Males are easily distinguished by their strongly ridged, forward-curving horns, which may grow up to 45 cm (18 in). Females are hornless and slightly smaller.
Their coats are typically light brown or grayish-buff, blending seamlessly into the tall grasses they prefer for cover. A white underbelly and pale inner legs contrast with their coat, and a white ring encircles the tail, which is often raised like a flag when the animal flees.
Reedbucks are mostly crepuscular, feeding at dawn and dusk on a diet of grasses, reeds, and herbaceous plants. They rely on dense vegetation for concealment, and when startled, they emit a sharp, whistling alarm call before springing away in long, stiff-legged bounds. Though largely solitary or living in pairs, they may form small family groups, especially during the rainy season when food is abundant.
Found from Senegal to South Africa, Reedbucks thrive in marshy savannas, floodplains, and valley grasslands, making them important indicators of healthy wetland ecosystems. Their presence supports the biodiversity of these areas and adds to the ecological richness of many African national parks.
Reedbucks are medium-sized antelopes well adapted to Africa’s grassy floodplains and wetlands. Their physical traits reflect a lifestyle built around stealth, sudden flight, and concealment in tall vegetation. There are three species—Southern Reedbuck (Redunca arundinum), Bohor Reedbuck (Redunca redunca), and Mountain Reedbuck (Redunca fulvorufula)—which share core characteristics with slight variations depending on geography and elevation.
Size and Build
The Southern Reedbuck is the largest, standing 80–90 cm (31–35 in) at the shoulder and weighing 60–95 kg (132–210 lbs).
The Bohor Reedbuck is slightly smaller, reaching 65–80 cm (26–31 in) in height and weighing 45–65 kg (99–143 lbs).
The Mountain Reedbuck is the most compact, measuring 60–75 cm (24–30 in) at the shoulder and weighing 20–35 kg (44–77 lbs).
Reedbucks have a stocky frame, a sloped back, and powerful hind limbs that allow for bounding leaps when fleeing danger. Their neck is relatively short, and the head is narrow and angular.
Coat and Coloration
All species have a coarse coat in shades of brown to grayish-tan, with subtle differences across populations. The underparts are distinctly white, including the inner legs and under-tail area. A noticeable white patch beneath the tail becomes highly visible when raised—serving as a warning signal during escape.
Horns and Sexual Dimorphism
Only males have horns, which are strongly ridged, forward-curving, and sharply pointed. Horn length varies by species, typically reaching:
Up to 45 cm (18 in) in Southern Reedbucks
Around 30–40 cm (12–16 in) in Bohor and Mountain Reedbucks
Females are hornless and generally smaller.
Distinctive Features
Reedbucks have large, rounded ears for acute hearing, and their dark nasal area and expressive eyes contribute to their alert appearance. They also have a bare scent gland patch in front of each eye used in social and territorial behavior.
These physical adaptations help Reedbucks thrive in tall grasses and wetlands, balancing concealment with rapid escape capabilities.
Reedbucks follow a reproductive strategy shaped by their solitary or loosely social nature and the seasonal rhythms of their wetland habitats. While the three species—Southern, Bohor, and Mountain Reedbuck—show slight regional variations, their overall reproductive biology is similar.
Mating Behavior
Reedbucks are generally polygynous, with dominant males defending small territories that overlap the ranges of one or more females. Males become especially territorial during the breeding season, marking their space with scent from preorbital glands and dung middens, and using vocalizations and displays to deter rivals.
Breeding Season
While some populations breed year-round—especially in equatorial regions—most Reedbuck births are seasonal, peaking in the late rainy or early dry season, when vegetation is lush and food is plentiful. This timing maximizes survival chances for newborns.
Gestation and Birth
The gestation period for Reedbucks lasts about 7 to 8 months (approximately 210–240 days). Females give birth to a single fawn, and twins are rare. Births typically occur in dense grass cover, where the young can remain concealed from predators.
Hider Strategy
Reedbuck fawns follow a “hider” strategy: they remain motionless and hidden in tall vegetation for the first few weeks of life. The mother visits briefly to nurse and clean the fawn, reducing the chance of drawing attention. This strategy is crucial for avoiding predators in open habitats.
Weaning and Independence
Fawns begin to nibble on grass after a few weeks but continue nursing for 3 to 4 months. They gradually follow the mother more regularly and are fully weaned by 4 to 5 months. Males typically leave their natal area once independent, while females may remain nearby.
Sexual Maturity and Lifespan
Reedbucks reach sexual maturity at around 1 to 1.5 years of age. In the wild, they may live up to 10–12 years, although predation often shortens this span.
This reproductive strategy—marked by concealment, seasonal timing, and solitary care—supports survival in the vulnerable early stages of life in open grassland environments.
The lifespan of the Reedbuck varies depending on species, habitat quality, and exposure to predators, but generally falls within the range expected for medium-sized antelopes. In the wild, these antelopes face numerous natural threats that limit their longevity, while protected environments can extend their life expectancy.
In the Wild
Reedbucks typically live 8 to 12 years in natural habitats. Their greatest mortality risk comes from predators such as lions, leopards, hyenas, wild dogs, and crocodiles, especially in the wetland and savanna areas they inhabit. Juvenile mortality is also high due to the vulnerability of fawns in their early weeks, when they are hiding alone in tall grasses.
Species-specific life expectancies include:
Southern Reedbuck: up to 12 years in the wild
Bohor Reedbuck: typically 8–10 years
Mountain Reedbuck: often slightly less, around 7–9 years, due to more rugged terrain and smaller body size
In Captivity
In well-managed reserves or captivity, where predation and food scarcity are minimized, Reedbucks may live up to 15 years. However, they are not frequently kept in zoos due to their shy behavior, habitat specificity, and need for large, undisturbed grassland enclosures.
Age-Related Changes
As Reedbucks age, males may lose dominance over territories and access to females. Both sexes can show signs of wear such as worn teeth, slower reactions, and reduced stamina, which increase vulnerability to predators and environmental stresses.
While not long-lived by ungulate standards, the Reedbuck’s lifespan is sufficient for multiple breeding cycles and population sustainability in healthy ecosystems—especially where human disturbance and poaching are controlled.
Reedbucks are selective grazers, meaning they primarily feed on grasses but choose specific species and plant parts that offer the highest nutritional value. Their diet and foraging behavior are closely tied to the wetland and grassland ecosystems they inhabit.
Primary Diet
Grasses form the core of the Reedbuck’s diet, particularly young, tender shoots that are rich in moisture and protein. Preferred grasses vary by region but often include species like Panicum, Themeda, Hyparrhenia, and Cynodon. These grasses are especially abundant during the rainy season, when Reedbucks feed more intensively and build up fat reserves.
During the dry season, when green grass becomes scarce, Reedbucks may supplement their diet with:
Dry grasses
Herbaceous plants (forbs)
Occasionally, leaves and reeds, especially near water sources
Feeding Behavior
Reedbucks are most active at dawn and dusk (crepuscular feeders), grazing during cooler parts of the day. They avoid feeding under intense midday heat and may lie hidden in tall grass. Feeding bouts are cautious and intermittent, as these antelopes are constantly alert to predators.
They typically feed alone or in small groups, moving slowly through grasslands and wetland edges. Because they favor moist, green vegetation, their presence often signals healthy, unspoiled habitats.
Water Needs
Though much of their moisture comes from succulent plants, Reedbucks drink regularly when water is available. They tend to stay within range of rivers, marshes, or seasonal floodplains—habitats that support both their dietary and hydration needs.
Impact on Habitat
As grazers, Reedbucks play a role in maintaining grassland balance, especially in wetland areas. By feeding selectively, they influence plant succession and promote the regeneration of certain grasses.
In summary, the Reedbuck’s eating habits are highly adapted to its marshy, grassy environment, relying on moisture-rich plants and cautious grazing behavior to survive and thrive.
The Reedbuck stands out among African antelopes for its strong ecological association with wet grasslands, its secretive behavior, and its distinctive alarm responses. Belonging to the genus Redunca within the family Bovidae, it includes three species—Southern, Bohor, and Mountain Reedbuck—each occupying different ecological zones but sharing remarkable behavioral and anatomical traits that set them apart from other grazers.
Specialized Habitat Preference
Unlike many antelopes that adapt to a range of environments, Reedbucks are strongly tied to moist habitats such as floodplains, reedbeds, marshes, and valley grasslands. This ecological specialization means they are reliable indicators of wetland health. Their name itself reflects this bond with reed-dominated environments.
Vocal Alarm Whistle
One of the Reedbuck’s most distinctive features is its shrill, whistling alarm call, which it emits through the nostrils when startled. This piercing sound, combined with its sudden, bounding escape through tall grasses, makes its flight behavior highly recognizable—and unlike any other African antelope.
Tail-Flagging and Fleeing Behavior
When fleeing, Reedbucks display a unique tail-flagging behavior, raising their white tail patch to flash a bright visual signal. This can confuse predators and also serve as a warning to nearby conspecifics. Their escape style is characterized by high, stiff-legged bounding leaps, powered by strong hind legs, allowing them to navigate flooded or uneven ground efficiently.
Sexual Dimorphism and Horn Structure
Only males have horns, which are strongly ridged and curve forward—distinct from the lyre-shaped or spiraled horns of many other antelopes. This makes them easy to distinguish in the field. Females, being hornless and often solitary, are more difficult to spot.
Subtle Social Structure
Reedbucks are generally solitary or form small, loose associations—a social arrangement less common among medium-sized grazers, which often form large herds. This low-profile behavior contributes to their elusive nature.
Altogether, the Reedbuck’s habitat specificity, alarm whistle, flight behavior, and subtle social structure make it one of the most unique and specialized antelopes in Africa.
The Reedbuck (Redunca spp.) is most closely related to the Kob antelopes, particularly species in the genus Kobus—such as the Waterbuck (Kobus ellipsiprymnus), Lechwe (Kobus leche), and Kob (Kobus kob).
Both Redunca and Kobus belong to the same tribe, Reduncini, within the Bovidae family. They share a strong preference for wetland and grassland habitats and similar grazing diets. However, Reedbucks are more solitary and less gregarious than their Kobus cousins, which often form large herds.
Reedbucks differ in the following ways:
Habitat Specialization: Reedbucks are uniquely tied to wet, grassy environments, especially reedbeds, floodplains, and marshy savannas. Most antelopes of similar size are either generalists or favor open savannas or dry bushveld.
Behavior: Reedbucks are solitary or found in small family groups, unlike many medium-sized grazers (e.g., impalas, hartebeests) that form large herds. Their shy and elusive nature makes them harder to spot.
Alarm Response: They give a piercing nasal whistle and perform high, bounding leaps when alarmed—a unique escape pattern not found in most other antelope species.
Horns: Only males have strongly ridged, forward-curving horns, which differ from the spiraled or lyre-shaped horns of other species.
Feeding: While many antelopes are mixed feeders, Reedbucks are specialized grazers, selectively feeding on soft, green grasses near water sources.
In summary, the Reedbuck is less social, more secretive, and more habitat-specific than most similarly sized African antelopes.
Reedbucks are widespread but localized, and your best chances of seeing them are in protected wetlands, floodplains, and moist savannas across sub-Saharan Africa. Top locations include:
Kruger National Park (South Africa) – Especially near waterholes and reedbeds in the southern and central regions.
Okavango Delta (Botswana) – The wetlands and grass-fringed channels support Bohor and Southern Reedbucks.
Liwonde National Park (Malawi) – One of the best places in southern Africa for viewing Southern Reedbucks.
Bangweulu Wetlands (Zambia) – Excellent for Bohor Reedbuck, often spotted alongside Lechwe.
Kidepo Valley National Park (Uganda) – Mountain Reedbuck can be seen in higher elevations; Bohor Reedbuck in the lower valleys.
Omo and Gambella National Parks (Ethiopia) – Strongholds for Bohor Reedbuck in marshy grasslands.
Nyika National Park (Malawi/Zambia) – Good for Mountain Reedbuck in hilly terrain.
For the best sightings, visit at dawn or dusk, and focus on grassy clearings near water, where Reedbucks are most likely to emerge and graze.
