Bushbuck

Bushbuck

The Bushbuck (Tragelaphus scriptus) is an antelope that is found in forest and woodland throughout Sub-Saharan Africa. It is also called “bush antelope.”

Usually most active during early morning and part of the night, bushbucks become almost entirely nocturnal in areas where they are apt to be disturbed frequently during the day. When alarmed, individuals react in a variety of ways. If they are in forest or thick bush, they may “freeze” in one position and remain very still, their coloring camouflaging them. Sometimes they will sink to the ground and lie flat, or they may bound away, making a series of hoarse barks. When surprised in the open, they sometimes stand still or slowly walk to the nearest cover.

PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS

Bushbuck stand about 90 centimeters at the shoulder and weigh from 30 to 80 kilograms (depending on sex). Bushbuck have a light brown coat, with up to seven white stripes and white splotches on the sides. The white patches are usually geometrically shaped and on the most mobile parts of their body such as the ears, chin, tail, legs and neck. The muzzle is also white and horns are found only on the males and they can reach over half a meter with only one twist. At 10 months old, young males sprout horns that are particularly twisted and at maturity form the first loop of a spiral.

The very sharp horns render the Bushbuck very dangerous when wounded. Careless hunters have been severely injured and even killed when approaching downed Bushbucks.

STATUS

Some African tribes hunt the bushbuck for its skin, as it makes leather that is supple, thin and sheds its hair easily. Throughout most of their range, the bushbuck is widespread and common, and not considered to be threatened or endangered. The main threat to the bushbuck is encroachment on their habitat through agricultural developments.

WEAPONS USED

Bushbuck are very tough for their size and do not die easily. Tough, well constructed bullets should be used ranging from a 6mm caliber rifle and even a .375 H & H Magnum is not too much gun. Shots are usually at short to medium range, but because they’re found in a wide variety of habitat, quality optics are a must.

For bow hunters, any archery equipment suitable for a whitetail deer is sufficient for bushbuck.