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Bushbuck (Tragelaphus Scriptus) Rowland Ward minimum: 15"
The sharp horns render the Bushbuck very dangerous when wounded as they are by nature aggressive. The Bushbuck is a close relative of the Kudu and the Nyala. The rams are elegant in appearance, sporting dark greyish-brown fur, with white spots on the flanks and prominent white socks. In height they are 700mm at the shoulders, and have a maximum weight of 120 lb. In my opinion this is the best meat on the Africa continent.
On males the markings become more visible during their displays when they arch their backs and slowly circle one another, walking in a tense, high-stepping gait. These highly ritualised displays usually make fighting unnecessary and alongside this a rigid age-based hierarchy amongst them which keeps younger males in check.
Usually most active during early morning and part of the night, bushbuck 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. 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. The Bushbuck is also the only non-territorial and solitary African antelope with neither males nor females defending any part of their home range.
Bushbuck are most vulnerable to predators such as leopard, lion, hyena and cheetah. When cornered the male will fight bravely and if attacked may become a dangerous foe. Even though Baboons sometimes eat the young, bushbuck continue to associate closely with them at times, picking up fallen fruit and other foods that foraging baboons drop.