About the Mountain Reedbuck
Info About the Mountain Reedbuck
The mountain reedbuck is a medium-sized antelope native to the high-elevation grasslands and rocky slopes of sub-Saharan Africa. Recognized by its woolly grey-brown coat, striking white underbelly, and reddish-brown head and shoulders, the species is perfectly adapted for navigating steep, uneven mountainous terrains.
These social yet highly territorial animals typically gather in small family herds of three to eight individuals led by a single adult male. Younger or sub-adult males are pushed out of these groups to form bachelor herds until they are ready to challenge for their own territory. Mountain reedbucks are primarily grazers that rely heavily on fresh water. When startled by predators, they have a unique habit of bounding up rocky hillsides while displaying a characteristic rocking gait and raising their bushy tail to flash its stark white underside.
Today, the mountain reedbuck population is divided into three distinct subspecies based on geography: the southern mountain reedbuck (found in South Africa, Botswana, and Eswatini), Chanler’s mountain reedbuck (in East Africa), and the rare Adamawa mountain reedbuck (found only near the Nigeria-Cameroon border). While the southern mountain reedbuck is generally considered less threatened, agricultural expansion, poaching, and habitat fragmentation have heavily impacted overall numbers, leading the IUCN Red List to classify the broader species as endangered.
Description of the Mountain Reedbuck
- Horns: Only males (rams) possess horns, which are 6 to 8 inches long, and curl forward at the tips.
- Head/Face: Large, long, narrow ears with a distinguishing dark, bare, or black glandular patch below each ear.
- Tail: Bushy and white underneath.
- Size: They stand from 25 to 35 inches tall at the shoulders.
- Weight: Males (rams) weigh from 66 to 95 pounds, while females (ewes) typically weigh from 60 to 70 pounds.
Mountain Reedbuck Species / Subspecies
There are three recognized subspecies, which are geographically separated:
- Southern Mountain Reedbuck: Found in southern Africa, ranging from the eastern Cape Province through KwaZulu-Natal to southeastern Botswana. [
- Chanler’s Mountain Reedbuck: Located in East Africa, spanning Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, Sudan, and Ethiopia.
- Western Mountain Reedbuck: Restricted to the Adamawa Plateau on the Nigeria-Cameroon border.
Recommended Calibers
Use a minimum of a .243 (6mm) caliber rifle to hunt mountain reedbuck.
Where to Hunt Mountain Reedbuck
Mountain reedbuck can be hunted across southern and eastern Africa, primarily in South Africa, Botswana, Tanzania, and Ethiopia.
What is Considered a Trophy Mountain Reedbuck
A trophy mountain reedbuck will have horns measuring at least 6 inches long.
Cost to Hunt Mountain Reedbuck
The trophy fee to hunt mountain reedbuck is from $500 to $1,000 depending on the country and outfitter.
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