Northern Bushbuck
Tragelaphus scriptus
Northern Bushbuck is an omnivorous antelope in African savannas, forests, and valleys.
| Scientific name | Tragelaphus scriptus |
|---|---|
| Swahili name | Kifaru mdogo |
| Conservation status | Least Concern |
| Class | Mammalia |
| Order | Artiodactyla |
| Family | Bovidae |
| Size | Male: approximately 30-45 kg; Female: approximately 20-35 kg |
How to identify
Medium to small-sized body. Coat reddish-brown with white spots. Males have spiral horns, females are hornless. Distinct white longitudinal stripes on the back. Large, pointed ears. Tail tip is white.
Habitat
Open woodland savanna, bushland, valleys, and forest edges
Diet
Omnivorous, primarily feeding on tender leaves, fruits, herbaceous plants, and shrub leaves
When it is active
Active at dawn and dusk; rests in shaded areas during the day
Where it lives
Widely distributed across sub-Saharan Africa, including Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda; commonly found in Maasai Mara National Reserve
How to spot it
Observe at dawn or dusk at bush edges; remain quiet and concealed to avoid disturbance
Photography tips
Use soft morning or evening light to capture details of spots and horns; suitable for medium to long focal length lenses
Threats
Habitat loss and fragmentation; hunting pressure in localized areas
Similar species
Similar to the Greater Kudu but smaller with shorter horns; differs from Nyala in coat color and spot distribution
