The mountain reedbuck, also known as the common reedbuck or southern reedbuck, is a medium-sized antelope found in Southern and Eastern Africa. It is a grazer and primarily feeds on grasses, sedges, and other vegetation.
The mountain reedbuck stands at around 60-70 cm (2-2.3 feet) at the shoulder, with males being slightly larger than females. They weigh between 35-55 kg (77-121 lbs). Their coats are generally brown with white underbellies and a white ring around their eyes. They have a distinctive, thick, and furry mane running along their neck and down their spine.
While not typically dangerous to hunt, mountain reedbuck are popular game animals for hunters. Their meat is considered to be of high quality and their hides are often used for decoration. However, due to their skittish nature and habitat preferences, mountain reedbuck can be challenging to hunt successfully.
Mountain reedbuck are typically found in mountainous regions or high-altitude grasslands, usually at elevations between 1,000 to 3,500 meters (3,300 to 11,500 feet). They are distributed across much of Southern and Eastern Africa, from South Africa to Ethiopia. They are also found in the highlands of Kenya and Tanzania.
Mountain reedbuck are well adapted to living in cold, mountainous environments. They have a thick coat of fur that keeps them warm and allows them to survive in harsh weather conditions. They are most active during the early morning and late afternoon, and are known to rest in the shade during the hottest parts of the day.
Mountain reedbuck are herbivores, and feed primarily on grasses, sedges, and other vegetation. They are known to graze on short grasses in open areas, but prefer to feed on taller grasses and sedges in marshy or wet areas. They have been observed feeding on shrubs and browsing on leaves in the absence of other vegetation.
In terms of behavior, mountain reedbuck are generally solitary animals or are found in small groups consisting of a female and her young. They are territorial and defend their territories by marking their boundaries with scent glands located on their faces and legs. During the mating season, males will compete for access to females, and will engage in displays of strength and dominance.
In conclusion, the mountain reedbuck is a medium-sized antelope that is well adapted to living in mountainous environments. They are primarily herbivores and feed on a variety of grasses and vegetation. While not typically dangerous to hunt, they are popular game animals due to their high-quality meat and distinctive hides. They are most active during the early morning and late afternoon and are known to rest in the shade during the hottest parts of the day.