The bohor reedbuck (Redunca redunca ) is an antelope native to central Africa. The animal is placed under the genus Redunca and in the family Bovidae. It was first described by German zoologist and botanist Peter Simon Pallas in 1767. The bohor reedbuck has five subspecies. The head-and-body length of this medium-sized antelope is typically between 100–135 cm (39–53 in). Males reach approximately 75–89 cm (30–35 in) at the shoulder, while females reach 69–76 cm (27–30 in). Males typically weigh 43–65 kg (95–143 lb) and females 35–45 kg (77–99 lb). This sturdily built antelope has a yellow to grayish brown coat. Only the males possess horns which measure about 25–35 cm (9.8–13.8 in) long.
A herbivore, the bohor reedbuck prefers grasses and tender reed shoots with high protein and low fiber content. This reedbuck is dependent on water, though green pastures can fulfill its water requirement. The social structure of the bohor reedbuck is highly flexible. Large aggregations are observed during the dry season, when hundreds of bohor reedbuck assemble near a river. Males become sexually mature at the age of three to four years, while females can conceive at just one year of age, reproducing every nine to fourteen months. Though there is no fixed breeding season, mating peaks in the rainy season. The gestation period is seven and a half months long, after which a single calf is born. The calves are weaned at eight to nine months of age.
The bohor reedbuck inhabits moist grasslands and swamplands as well as woodlands. The bohor reedbuck is native to Benin, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ethiopia, the Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Kenya, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, Sudan, Tanzania and Togo. The animal is possibly extinct in Ivory Coast and Uganda. Reckless hunting and loss of habitat as a result of human settlement have led to significant decline in the numbers of the bohor reedbuck, although this antelope tends to survive longer in such over-exploited areas as compared to its relatives. The total populations of the bohor reedbuck are estimated to be above 100,000. Larger populations occur in eastern and central Africa than in western Africa. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) rates the bohor reedbuck as of least concern.
Bohor reedbuck are medium-sized graceful antelopes native to central Africa. They are yellow to grayish brown in color. The large and diffuse sebaceous glands present on their coat make it greasy and give it a strong odor. Juveniles are long-haired and are darker than the adults. Bohor reedbuck also have a round bare spot below each ear. Only males possess a pair of short, stout horns, that extend backward from the forehead and hook slightly forward.
Bohor reedbuck occur in Benin, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Kenya, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, Sudan, Tanzania, and Togo. These animals inhabit moist grasslands, swamplands, and woodlands.
Bohor reedbuck are active throughout the day, seeking cover during the daytime and grazing in the night. A large proportion of the whole day is spent on feeding and vigilance. If shade is available, females remain solitary; otherwise, they, along with their calves, congregate to form herds of 10 animals. Female home ranges overlap with the larger territories of males. As the daughters grow up, they distance themselves from their mothers' home ranges. Territorial males are much tolerant and may associate with up to 19 bachelor males in the absence of females. Usually, around 5 females may be found in a male's territory. Territorial bulls drive out their sons when they start developing horns. These young males form groups of 2-3 individuals on the borders of territories, till they mature in their fourth year. Bohor reedbuck can easily camouflage in grasses and reeds, and hide from danger rather than running away. When threatened, they usually remain motionless or retreat slowly into the cover for defense, but if the threat is close, they flee, whistling shrilly to alert the others.
Bohor reedbuck are herbivorous (graminivorous) animals that feed on grasses and tender reed shoots. In Kenyan farmlands, they may feed on growing wheat and cereals.
Little is known about the mating system in Bohor reedbuck. There is no fixed breeding season, however, mating usually peaks in the rainy season. Fights for dominance take place in some particular "assembly fields", where up to 40 males may assemble in an area of 1 hectare (2.5 acres). Some parts of these grounds are the main attractions - marked with dung and urine. Females give birth to a single calf after the gestation period of 7.5 months. The mothers keep their calves concealed for around 8 weeks. At the age of 2 months, the calf begins grazing alongside its mother and seeks protection from her if alarmed. Though after 4 months the calf is no more licked, it may still be groomed by its mother. The calves are usually weaned at 8-9 months of age. Males become reproductively mature at the age of 3-4 years, while females can conceive at just one year of age, reproducing every 9 to 14 months.
Overhunting and loss of habitat due to the human settlement have led to a significant decline in the numbers of Bohor reedbuck. Natural calamities, like drought, are also major threats. While populations have declined in northern Cameroon due to degradation of floodplains through the construction of upstream dams, their habitat has been destroyed in Chad and Tanzania due to the expansion of agriculture and settlement. Several deaths occur due to roadkill and drowning as well. During the dry season, Bohor reedbuck are hunted with dogs and nets in Uganda.
According to the IUCN Red List, the total population size of Bohor reedbuck is around 101,000 individuals, including 4,500 in Sudan and South Sudan. Currently, this species is classified as Least Concern (LC) on the IUCN Red List but its numbers today are decreasing.
