Hunting The Common Reedbuck in Africa

The southern reedbuck, rietbok, or common reedbuck is an Africa plains game antelope typically found in southern Africa and targeted on many African hunts throughout the region. They are found in southern Congo and southern Tanzania, throughout Angola, Zambia, Malawi, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, and the northern part of South Africa. They are listed as a species of “least concern” by the IUCN.

Common reedbucks are nocturnal herbivores, eating mainly grass. However, should there not be much grass available, they will feed on seeds and herbs. They are found in rich valleys where water is plentiful or near wetland regions but also occur in areas such as floodplains, savannas, and woodlands with less grass cover. Although they are not overly dependent on water, they prefer habitats with a good water supply. KwaZulu-Natal is renowned for its trophy quality reedbuck population.

Predators include cheetahs, lions, leopards, spotted hyenas, pythons, and crocodiles. When they sense danger or feel threatened, they will hide in the long grass where their coloring assists in camouflaging them from predators. 

These territorial animals form loose family groupings of 6-10 members. Mating occurs throughout the year but there is a peak in the wet season. Females gestate for 7-8 months, birthing one to two offspring.