Found across a wide swath of sub-Saharan Africa, from Senegal and Ethiopia down to Tanzania and Zambia, this species is most at home near rivers, marshes, and floodplains where tall grasses provide both food and cover. Though not as famous as gazelles or impalas, the bohor reedbuck has its own quiet charm, unique behaviors and adaptations that make it a fascinating animal to watch in the wild.
In appearance, the bohor reedbuck is medium-sized, and its coat is a shaggy, yellowish-brown color, sometimes with gray or reddish tones, blending perfectly with the tall savanna grasses it inhabits. One of its distinctive features is the white patch under its throat and a characteristic whitish ring around the eyes, giving it a slightly gentle, doe-like look. Only males have horns, which are short, forward-curving, and ridged at the base—usually measuring 25–35 cm (10-14 in) in length.
Behaviorally, the bohor reedbuck is both shy and resourceful. During the day, it tends to rest hidden in tall grasses, becoming more active in the early morning, evening, and at night. When alarmed, instead of fleeing in the open like many antelopes, it often drops flat into the grass, relying on camouflage to stay hidden until danger passes. If forced to flee, however, it runs with a distinctive, rocking gait and may emit a sharp, whistling call through its nose—one of the sounds that gave reedbucks their name.
The species is mostly a grazer, feeding on fresh grasses, shoots, and reeds, though it sometimes browses on herbs or shrubs when grasses are scarce. It rarely strays far from water, preferring habitats where tall grass feeds and shelters it.
Distribution
Benin
Burkina Faso
Burundi
Cameroon
Central Af. Rep.
Chad
Côte D’ivoire
DR Congo (Kinshasa)
Eritrea
Ethiopia
Gambia
Ghana
Guinea-Bissau
Guinea
Kenya
Mali
Mauritania
Niger
Nigeria
Rwanda
Senegal
South Sudan
Sudan
Tanzania
Togo
UgandaAnything we've missed?
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Terrestrial / Aquatic
Altricial / Precocial
Polygamous / Monogamous
Dimorphic (size) / Monomorphic
Active: Diurnal / Nocturnal
Social behavior: Solitary / Pack / Herd
Diet: Carnivore / Herbivore / Omnivore / Piscivorous / Insectivore
Migratory: Yes / No
Domesticated: Yes / No
Dangerous: Yes / No
