male and female bushbucks at a waterhole

The Bushbuck (Tragelaphus scriptus) is a very widespread antelope occurring almost in entire sub-Saharan Africa. Within this range, it occurs in a number of habitats including nearly anything between rain forests and bushy savannahs. Although sharing a very similar appearance, recent genetic studies showed that the populations of different regions most likely represent separate species (but research is still on-going). Bushbucks live mostly solitary or in pairs, but can occasionally meet at waterholes. They are mostly browsers, but also feed on other plant matter if available. The antelopes are medium-sized with the males being slightly larger than the females, having short horns, and a darker coat. I have seen these pretty animals for the first time in South Africa, but the photographs in this post are from the Pendjari National Park in northern Benin (February 2012).

female Bushbuck

female Bushbuck