Predominantly found in the dense forests and thickets of sub-Saharan Africa, the Cape Bushbuck has carved out a niche that allows it to thrive in environments rich in cover and close to water sources. This proximity to water is not just a preference but a testament to the Bushbuck’s remarkable ability as a swimmer. Capable of crossing water bodies as wide as three kilometers, the Bushbuck showcases a level of adaptability and skill that few other antelopes possess. Even in times of water scarcity, these animals have evolved to survive on the dew collected by foliage, illustrating their remarkable resilience.
Despite their widespread presence and adaptability, Cape Bushbucks navigate a complex relationship with the expanding footprint of human activity. While they have shown a remarkable capacity to coexist with human settlements, often venturing into gardens and farms in search of food, this interaction is not without its challenges. In certain areas, their foraging habits have led to them being considered pests, prompting efforts by local communities and authorities to control their populations.
While the Cape Bushbuck’s numbers are currently stable, making them one of the most common types of antelopes in their range, their future is not guaranteed. The relentless expansion of human settlements, alongside the growth of agricultural lands and the development of roads, poses a significant threat to their habitats. These changes not only reduce the available space for Bushbucks to roam and feed but also fragment their habitats, making it increasingly difficult for them to access traditional water sources and forage areas.
Distribution
Angola
Benin
Botswana
Burkina Faso
Burundi
Cameroon
Central Af. Rep.
Chad
Congo-Brazzaville
Côte D’ivoire
DR Congo (Kinshasa)
Equatorial Guinea
Eswatini
Ethiopia
Gabon
Gambia
Ghana
Guinea-Bissau
Guinea
Kenya
Lesotho
Liberia
Malawi
Mali
Mauritania
Mozambique
Namibia
Niger
Nigeria
Rwanda
Senegal
Sierra Leone
Somalia
South Africa
South Sudan
Sudan
Tanzania
Togo
Uganda
Zambia
ZimbabweAnything 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
