Southern reedbuck

Description

The southern reedbuck,rietbok or common reedbuck (Redunca arundinum) is a diurnal antelope typically found in southern Africa.It was first described by Pieter Boddaert,a Dutch physician and naturalist,in 1785.It is placed in the genus Redunca and family Bovidae.This antelope has an average mass of 58 kg (128 lb) and a body length of about 134–167 cm (53–66 in).The southern reedbuck is larger than the other species in Redunca,namely R.redunca (Bohor reedbuck) and R.fulvorufula (mountain reedbuck).It stands 80–90 cm (31–35 in) at the shoulder.Females weigh 48 kg (106 lb),while the males weigh 68 kg (150 lb).It has distinctive dark lines running down the front of each of its forelegs and lower hindlegs and whitish rings around the eyes.It has a lifespan of 10 years.The coat is silky and almost woolly.The color of its coat ranges between light- and greyish-brown,and may be lighter on the neck and chest.A small,black,bare glandular patch can be noticed at the base of each ear.White fur covers the underparts and the areas near the lips and chin.The tail is white underside,and appears short and bushy.Southern reedbucks measure an average of 85 cm (33 in) at the shoulder.Females lack horns.Males bear forward-curving horns,about 35–45 cm (14–18 in) long,with the base having a distinct band of pale,rubbery tissue.