Mountain reedbuck facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Mountain reedbuck |
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| Female | |
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Redunca
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| Species: |
fulvorufula
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| Western mountain reedbuck
Chanler's mountain reedbuck Southern mountain reedbuck |
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The mountain reedbuck (Redunca fulvorufula) is a type of antelope. You can find these cool animals in the mountains of many parts of sub-Saharan Africa. They are known for their unique horns and their love for rocky, hilly areas.
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Types of Mountain Reedbucks
There are three main types, or subspecies, of mountain reedbucks. Each type lives in a different area.
- Redunca fulvorufula adamauae is called the Adamawa mountain reedbuck.
- Redunca fulvorufula chanleri is known as Chanler's mountain reedbuck. It was named after a person named William A. Chanler.
- Redunca fulvorufula fulvorufula is the southern mountain reedbuck.
What Do Mountain Reedbucks Look Like?
Mountain reedbucks are medium-sized antelopes. They stand about 75 centimeters (30 inches) tall at the shoulder. They usually weigh around 30 kilograms (66 pounds).
Their fur is mostly grey. They have a white belly and reddish-brown fur on their head and shoulders. Male mountain reedbucks have special horns. These horns are ridged and curve forward. They can be about 15 centimeters (6 inches) long. Both males and females have a dark scent patch. This patch is located right below their ears.
Where Do Mountain Reedbucks Live?
Mountain reedbucks live in three different areas. Each area is home to a different subspecies. The southern mountain reedbuck lives in parts of South Africa and southeastern Botswana. Chanler's mountain reedbuck can be found in countries like Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, Sudan, and Ethiopia. The Adamawa mountain reedbuck lives only near the border of Nigeria and Cameroon.
These animals prefer to live on ridges and hillsides. They like rocky areas and grasslands that are high up. You can find them at elevations from 1,500 to 5,000 meters (about 4,900 to 16,400 feet). Sometimes, these areas also have some trees or bushes.
Scientists estimate there are about 36,000 mountain reedbucks left in the world.
Mountain Reedbuck Life and Habits
Mountain reedbucks mostly eat grass. They need water nearby to survive. They usually feed in the early morning and evening. They often live in small groups. A typical group has one adult male, several adult females, and their young.
Younger males eventually leave their family groups. They then form small groups with other young males. We don't know exactly how long they live in the wild. However, similar animals have lived up to 18 years in zoos.
Conservation Status: Why They Need Our Help
Mountain reedbucks are facing some challenges. People sometimes hunt them. Also, their homes are shrinking as human populations grow. Because of these problems, their numbers seem to be going down. The IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) lists this species as Endangered. This means they are at a high risk of disappearing forever.
Images for kids
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Male southern mountain reedbuck in flight, KwaZulu-Natal Drakensberg, South Africa
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Male mountain reedbuck in Borakalalo National Park, South Africa
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