Mammals
Southern Reedbuck
Redunca arundinum · also called reedbuck
Whistling sharply before vanishing into tall reeds, a southern reedbuck rarely strays far from water, trading the safety of large herds for the quiet cover of grassland and wetland edges across southern Africa.
Overview
The southern reedbuck, Redunca arundinum, is a shy antelope native to wetland-edge and grassland habitat across southern Africa. Its piercing alarm whistle, close association with reedbeds, and preference for small family groups over large herds make it one of the more understated grassland antelope species found across the region.
A quiet life near water
Unlike the large, conspicuous herds formed by many grassland antelope, the southern reedbuck keeps a low profile, sticking close to water and reeds in small groups and relying on its sharp whistle to warn others the moment danger appears.
Status
Least Concern, though numbers are declining outside protected areas across southern Africa due to habitat loss and hunting pressure.
Southern Reedbuck: common questions
Why does the southern reedbuck whistle when alarmed?
This species gives a sharp, piercing whistle when alarmed, one of the most distinctive vocal warnings among African grassland antelope, alerting others nearby before it retreats into cover.
Why is it called the reedbuck?
This species rarely strays far from water and the tall reeds or grass that give it its common name, relying on that dense vegetation for concealment from predators.
Do female southern reedbuck have horns?
No, this species has forward-curving, ridged horns present only on males, typically growing to a moderate length compared to larger grassland antelope.
Does the southern reedbuck live in large herds?
No, this species typically lives alone, in pairs, or in small family groups rather than the large herds formed by many other grassland antelope species.