2. Subfamily Reduncinae: rhebok reedbuck and Waterbuck

2. Reduncinae - Rhebok, Reedbuck, Waterbuck

Bohor Reedbuck

The bohor reedbuck  is an antelope native to central Africa.

The head-and-body length of this medium-sized antelope is typically between 100–135 cm. Females are smaller. This sturdily built antelope has a yellow to grayish brown coat. Only the males possess horns which measure about 25–35 cm long. There are 5 subspecies:

  • R. r. bohor Rüppell, 1842: Also known as the Abyssinian bohor reedbuck. It occurs in southwestern, western and central Ethiopia, and Blue Nile (Sudan).
  • R. r. cottoni (W. Rothschild, 1902): It occurs in the Sudds (Southern Sudan), northeastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, and probably in northern Uganda.
  • R. r. nigeriensis (Blaine, 1913): This subspecies occurs in Nigeria, northern Cameroon, southern Chad and Central African Republic.
  • R. r. redunca (Pallas, 1767): Its range extends from Senegal east to Togo. It inhabits the northern savannas of Africa. 
  • R. r. wardi (Thomas, 1900): Found in Uganda, eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo and eastern Africa. 
The total population of this species is 100,000, and while it is decreasing, it is not currently low enough to justify a near threatened rating, though this might change in the near future. At the current time, I cannot see any of the subspecies being in a worse position but can change this if I find out more.

Mountain Reedbuck

 The mountain reedbuck has 3 subspecies. The western mountain reedbuck only has 450 individuals still living wild, (shown on the map in red) also known as the Adamwa mountain reedbuck which is restricted to the highlands of Cameroon. The Eastern mountain reedbuck (or Chanlers) has 2900 wild individuals, is found in parts of Kenya and Ethiopia. The Southern moutnain reedbuck, blue, (33,000) is found in the Drakensburg mountains of South Africa.

Mountain Reedbuck

Southern Reedbuck

The Southern, or common Reedbuck is found in Southern Africa. It is a midsized  antelope, standing 134-167cm tall

 It was described in 1785 by Pieter Boddaert. Southern reedbucks live in pairs or alone, though occasionally they will form herds of up to 20. They prefer to lie in grass or reed beds in the heat of the day and feed during sunrise and sunset, or sometimes even at night. Old reedbucks are permanently territorial, with territories around 35-60 hectares, and generally live with a single female, preventing contact with rival males. Females and young males perform an ‘appeasement dance’ for older males.  Within this territory, it is active all the time in summer, but it is nocturnal in the wet season. It regularly uses paths to reach good sites to rest, graze, and drink water. They are hunted by all the top predators in the area, including Lion, Leopard, Cheetah hyena and wild dog, as well as animals like snakes.

They are easily hunted, and combined with loss of territory to human expansion, the population is down. About 60% occur in protected reserves, but in some countries like Gabon and the DRC are though to almost be locally extinct.

Kob

The puku  is a mid-sized antelope found in wet grasslands in Southern Democratic Republic of Congo, Namibia, Tanzania, Zambia and more concentrated in the Okavango Delta in Botswana.

Nearly one-third of all puku are found in protected areas, zoos, and national parks due to their diminishing habitat (though this still leaves 2/3 of Puku living outside all protected areas.

Kob (queen Elizabeth national park)

Red Lechwe

Red Lechewe is a species of antelope found in the south of eastern African. The red lechwe is native to Botswana, Zambia, southeastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, northeastern Namibia, and eastern Angola, especially in the Okavango Delta, Kafue Flats, and Bangweulu Wetlands. They are found in shallow water, and have a substance on their legs which allows them to run pretty fast. Total population is around 160,000

Four subspecies of the lechwe have been recognized

  • Common red lechwe (Gray, 1850) – Widely distributed in the wetlands of Zimbabwe, Botswana, Namibia and Zambia. (80,000)
  • Kafue Flats lechwe  (Haltenorth, 1963) – It is confined within the Kafue Flats (seasonally inundated flood-plain on the Kafue River, Zambia). (28,000)
  • Roberts’ lechwe  (Rothschild, 1907) – Formerly found in northeastern Zambia, now extinct. Also called the Kawambwa lechwe.
  • Black lechwe (Kobus leche smithemani(Lydekker, 1900) – Found in the Bangweulu region of Zambia. (50,000)

In addition, the Upemba lechwe (1000)  and the extinct Cape lechwe are also considered subspecies by some authorities. Although related and sharing the name “lechwe”, the Nile lechwe (below) is consistently recognized as a separate species.

Nile Lechwe

The Nile lechwe or Mrs Gray’s lechwe  is an endangered species of antelope found in swamps and grasslands in South Sudan and Ethiopia.

Nile lechwe can visually signal and vocalize to communicate with each other. They rear high in the air in front of their opponents and turn their heads to the side while displaying. Females are quite loud, making a toad-like croaking when moving. Known predators are humans, lions, crocodiles, cheetahs, wild dogs, hyenas and leopards. They flee to water if disturbed, but females defend their offspring from smaller predators by direct attack, mainly kicking. Nile lechwe are crepuscular, active in the early morning and late afternoon. They gather in herds of up to 50 females and one male or in smaller all-male herds. They divide themselves into three social groups: females and their new offspring, bachelor males, and mature males with territories. A males with territory sometimes allows a bachelor male into his territory to guard the region and not to copulate. They are sexually mature at 2.

Nile lechwe feed on succulent grasses and water plants. They have the special capability to wade in shallow waters and swim in deeper waters, and may feed on young leaves from trees and bushes, rearing up to reach this green vegetation. Nile lechwe are also found in marshy areas, where they eat aquatic plants.  Around 32,000 and are classed as endangered

Nile Lechwe

Puku

Puku

The puku  is a medium-sized antelope found in wet grasslands in southern Democratic Republic of Congo, Namibia, Tanzania, Zambia and more concentrated in the Okavango Delta in Botswana. Nearly one-third of all puku are found in protected areas, zoos, and national parks due to their diminishing habitat (the issue here, is that these 2/3 are clearly at danger of disappearing if humans change their behaviour. They are currenly listed as not threatened

Two subspecies exist:

  • Senga Puku
  • Southern Puku
Both appear to be not threatened.
They are found in Hluhluwe Umfolozi Game Reserve, Kruger National ParkMoremi Game Reserve, Ngorongoro Crater Conservation Area and the Serengeti National Park

Waterbuck

The waterbuck  is a large antelope found widely in sub-Saharan Africa.It was first described by Irish naturalist William Ogilby in 1833.

Its 13 subspecies are grouped under two varieties: the common or ellipsiprymnus waterbuck and the defassa waterbuck. The head-and-body length is typically between 177 and 235cm  and the typical height is between 120 and 136cm. In this antelope, males are taller and heavier than females. Males reach roughly 127 cm at the shoulder, while females reach 119cm. Males typically weigh 198–262 kg and females 161–214 kg. Their coat colour varies from brown to grey. The long, spiral horns, present only on males, curve backward, then forward, and are 55–99 cm long. Waterbucks are rather sedentary in nature. As gregarious animals, they may form herds consisting of six to 30 individuals. These groups are either nursery herds with females and their offspring or bachelor herds. Males start showing territorial behaviour from the age of 5 years, but are most dominant from the six to nine. The waterbuck cannot tolerate dehydration in hot weather, and thus inhabits areas close to sources of water. Predominantly a grazer, the waterbuck is mostly found on grassland. In equatorial regions, breeding takes place throughout the year, but births are at their peak in the rainy season. The gestational period lasts 7–8 months, followed by the birth of a single calf.

Waterbucks inhabit scrub and savanna areas along rivers, lakes, and valleys. Due to their requirement for grasslands and water, waterbucks have a sparse ecotone distribution. The IUCN lists the waterbuck as being of least concern. More specifically, the common waterbuck is listed as of least concern. while the defassa waterbuck is near threatened. The population trend for both is downwards, especially that of the defassa, with large populations being eliminated from certain habitats because of poaching and human disturbance.

The common waterbuck is listed as least concern, while the Defassa is listed as near threatened. Only 60% of this subspecies population is in protected areas, so it could get worse, if they are lost.

Waterbuck

Bovidae family (including Aegodontia &Boodontia & Caprinae) or Antelope family tree

Bovidae family (including Aegodontia &Boodontia) or Antelope family tree

Antelope lie in the Bovidae family, and account for around 2/3 of the 135 Bovidae species that exist in the world. It should be noted that deer come from the family Cervidae, which means that despite looking extremely similar, antelope are more closely related to cattle than they are to deer.

There are 91 antelope species in the world with 72 found in Africa, 14 in Asia, with the last 5 found in Eastern Europe.

There are 8 subfamilies in Africa

1. Subfamily Bovinae

Spiral horned antelopes made up of tribe Tragelaphini: 9 species 4 subspecies.

2. Subfamily Reduncinae

Rhebok, reedbucks, and waterbucks 8 Species, 11 Subspecies

3. Subfamily Peleinae:

 1 Species
 

4. Subfamily Alcelaphinae

 

Sassabies, hartebeests, and wildebeests: 6 Species (depending on how you count, it can be anywhere from 6 to 10) , 19 Subspecies

5. Subfamily Hippotraginae

Grazing antelope: 7 Species, 4 Subspecies

6. Subfamily Aepycerotinae

Impala: 1 Species which is impala, 2 Subspecies

8. Subfamily Cephalophinae

 Duiker: 17 Species, 7 Subspecies

If you want to return to the Ruminants family page click here

Caprinae

The Caprinae family is a close relation of Alcelaphinae & Hippotraginae (subfamily 4 and 5 on this page) but this family consists of the worlds goats and sheep.

This consists of 9 genus with just 1 species in each (and one further extinct so not included here) and then 5 genus with more than that. 

Firstly dealing with each genus with only one species.

Next the Capra genus, which consists of the worlds Ibex species

Next the Ovis family (sheep species)

Two species of Chamois remain

The second last group is the Serow (6 species)

The last group is the Goral

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    aaa Malamala reserve, Greater Limpopo transfrontier park – between Sabi sands and the Kruger

    Malamala reserve, Limpopo Transfrontier park

    Established back in 1927, initially as a hunting reserve, it has been purely with a camera since 1964. Relatively small, only covering 62 square miles, it is sandwiched between the Kruger and the Sabi sands game reserve. As such, the game is incredibly dense.

    There most luxury suites in each camp is 10, across all three camps so  if every single one is inhabited, a large so called traffic jam would not stop you seeing the wildlife. Unlike in the Kruger itself, you are not restricted to roads, which means often very close encounters., it also make 62 square miles an enormous area to explore with your guide.

    Fitzpatrick at Jock

    Fitzpatrick at Jocks

    Fitzpatrick at Jocks is a small lodge perfect for groups and hired exclusively to one group at a time. Consisting of 3 Luxurious suites each with its own viewing deck. This allows people to enjoy the luxury of a lodge, but with the intimacy of being just a small group.

    Lying in the game dense south of the Kruger national park, this private concession covers around 23 miles which only your group and the main lodge will have access to. The lodge is built on the river bank, which means that often the wildlife will come to visit you so you can enjoy watching the world go by from the comfort of your suite.

    Beautifully equipped and set up for a group of up to 6 to share, this is an incredible place for friends to go together or for family time away from everyone else.

    With places to eat inside and out, and with its own staff, a visit can be fully molded around the group visiting- both in terms of food preference and activities.

    Things to do include bush drives, bush walks (which will include learning the beginning of tracking) sun downer drinks in the bush, as well as time simply relaxing in the lodge.

    Being in a game rich part of the park, it is also wonderful to lay back on a lounger and watch the animals move past.

    The above video gives you a good introduction to the lodge and the area around it.

    Below is a more detailed look at the lodge and the feel of the place.

    Fully inclusive pricing starts at

    If you are interested and would like to book or enquire about availability fill in the form below.

    Silvan Safari Lodge

    Silvan Safari Lodge

    Silvan Safari lodge lies in the northern portion of the Sabi Sands private reserve.

    It is the newest luxury lodge, sitting within the Leadwood forests and beside the waters of the Manyeleti River. It also won the leading world lodge in 2019 from world travel awards.

    The Sabi Sands is particularly game rich, especially with the big cats. While you will definitely see these on game drives, you may also spot them walking past the lodge.

    With just 6 spacious fabulous suites, and a family unit, even when full it is never going to feel crowded, and giving fantastic views out into the bush around it.

    With places to eat the incredible food both inside and out, and afterwards plenty of space you can choose how to spend your evenings. 

    Also expect incredible food and drinks sun-downers out in the bush on your evening drives

    Lying in the northern sabi sands, this is a less densely visited area. While this means that there are fewer people so it will feel more truly wild, it also means there are less other cars to direct to wild animals.

    However I would always choose fewer people. If your vehicle is the first down a road in the morning, or for a long time there will be many tracks to spot, as well as on occasions lions stretched out on the ground. As there are few people in the area it is also highly likely that you will often be in the first vehicle on the road each morning on your morning game drive.

    The “rooms” are individual suites (6 standard and one family suite) stretched out along the banks of a dry river bed (apart from perhaps after extreme rain, although the water is not visible much of the time, there will be water underground. This means that there will be many large trees around this area- attracting many animals to eat and leopards to rest up in the trees.

    Below is a video of one of the suites, There are a few videos of silvan safaris including other suites that are available.

    From delicious food, and incredible accommodation, to incredible trips out on foot or in the car, and with the ability to tailor your visit to meet your interest. With all of the luxuries available but surrounded by the incredible wildlife of Africa.

    Each suite comes with a plunge pool allowing you to soak during the hot periods of the day, as you watch the wilderness wander past.

    The pricing starts from for this luxurious destination. 

    To ask further questions or to enquire about availability and book, please fill in the form below and we will get back to you.

    If you wish to return to the Limpopo transfrontier park click here

    Jock Safari Lodge

    Jock Safari Lodge

    Jock Safari Lodge lies in the south west of the Kruger national park, on a 6000 hectare exclusive concession.

    This part of the park is one of the most game dense within the park. However, coupled with the exclusive rights given to guests of the property, you can experience them without the traffic jams that occur on the roads in the surrounding area.

    This leads to a wonderful laid back life. Whether sitting in the lodge or out on a drive or on foot, you never know what is going to happen next.

    With incredible views in all directions, the house has been designed with plenty of places to sit comfortably and watch the world go by, when you are not out exploring the park

    The price for this place is all inclusive

    If you have any questions, or would like to enquire about availability or book fillin the form below.

    Sweni lodge

    Sweni Lodge

    Set high on the banks of the Sweni river in the world famous Sabi Sands, the Sweni lodge is a place of safety to enjoy the wilderness around.

    Overlooking the Sweni river, evening can be spent in the pool, or sitting out on the deck watching all the wildlife wandering by.

    Apart from seeing the animals by in and around the river, this placement also means you are surrounded by large trees which only grow on the around the water. This ensures plenty of shade and lower temperatures, but it also means that monkeys and other animals that live in woodland also come close.

    Sweni Lodge is set within the Sweni concession, an area of around 55 square miles only accessible to guests at Sweni lodge and its sister lodge Lembombo. Sweni lodge only has seven suites so even when full will not feel crowded. With Lembombo only being a bit bigger than Sweni, out on game drives you will often have animals to yourself – something that if you have experienced the Kruger next door is a real treat and in most reserves very rare.

    Sweni lodge is an incredibly comfortable place to stay, and you can expect incredible food and drink while you are there, but people go on safari to see the animals and at Sweni they can be seen all around the lodge. The lodge is full of people who love the bush and wish to share their passion with everyone who visits. Expect many incredible encounters and to come back knowing more than when you went.

    If you are interested in visiting and would like to check availability, or have a question fill in the form below and someone will get back to you. pricing is below

    To return to the Limpopo ecosystem page click here

    Pashumana lodge

    Pamushana Lodge

    Pamushana Lodge is set within the Malilangwe Wildlife Reserve, a 502 square km wilderness refuge. The refuge borders the Gonarezhou National park of Zimbabwe, and forms a part of the Limpopo transfrontier park.

    As such it is part of the same wilderness area of Kruger and the Sabi Sands.

    Known for its sandstone outcrops, Mopane forests and Boabab trees it is an area of lots of character.

    With high concentration of game including regular sightings of both black and white rhino, and with wild dog a common sighting in the area, you can expect some exciting encounters.

    Below is a video diary of some visitors which were seen on a previous trip, and gives you an idea of some of the work that your visit would support.

    While you may be staying a long way from other people do not expect to be roughing it.

    You can expect fantastic food and drink, with locally sourced produce. The wonderful guides, who will take you out and have encounters with the local wildlife are also well respected.

    For further information, and enquiries as to availability please fill in the form below.

    Malilangwe House

    Malilangwe House

    Malilangwe House is set within the Malilangwe Wildlife Reserve, a 502 square km wilderness refuge. Lying close to the Pamashuna lodge, it gives a similar experience, but for the exclusive use of one group.

    With its own staff to take care of your every need, including chefs and wildlife guides, your time visiting can be based around your interests.

    The refuge borders the Gonarezhou National park of Zimbabwe, and forms a part of the Limpopo transfrontier park. As such it is part of the same wilderness area of Kruger and the Sabi Sands.

    Known for its sandstone outcrops, Mopane forests and Boabab trees, it is an area of lots of character.

    With high concentration of game including regular sightings of both black and white rhino, and with wild dog seen regularly in the area, you can expect some exciting encounters.

    Malilangwe House is a luxurious place to stay. With a 25m private pool pool gym and all the other amenities you could imagine. Each group has the place exclusively. 

    Malilangwe has five luxurious double bedroom suites each with its own private decking outside. Perfect for groups of friends to use it, giving space for time together and time alone.

    With all food included and wine provided at each meal and with all your wildlife drives included in the price, this an incredible home from home for the duration of your stay.

    If you have any questions or in interest in visiting and would like to check availability and ask any questions. Pricing is below.

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