- Common Names: Bohor Reedbuck
- Swahili Name: Tohe or Forhi
- Maasai Name: Enkakuluo
- Scientific Name: Redunca redunca
- Size:
- Head-Body Length: 155 cm (61 inches)
- Shoulder Height: 90 cm (35 inches)
- Gestation: 32 weeks
- IUCN Status: Least Concern. While Bohor Reedbuck populations are stable in certain regions, habitat destruction and hunting pose threats in some areas.
Recognition and Appearance
The Bohor Reedbuck is a tawny-brown antelope with white underparts, showing off a stocky build typical of reedbucks. Males are easy to distinguish by their forward-curving horns, while females lack horns altogether. Its large, oval ears and dark eyes contrast against the pale face, giving it a distinctive look. The reedbuck’s heavy build and horned males make it stand out from other brown antelope species.
Habits and Behavior
Bohor Reedbucks are known to be shy and elusive, often hiding in vegetation during the day to avoid predators and human attention. They emerge at night to graze, which makes daytime sightings uncommon, though not impossible. Males typically maintain territories in prime areas, where they can be accompanied by up to seven females at a time.
When threatened, the Bohor Reedbuck does not immediately flee. Instead, it relies on its habit of hiding in long grass to avoid detection, which allows vehicles on game drives to sometimes get very close without the animal becoming spooked.
Diet and Feeding Habits
As a grazer, the Bohor Reedbuck feeds primarily on grasses, supplemented with shoots and reed stems, particularly when foraging along floodplains and river courses. Their preference for wetland environments and rich grasslands is due to the abundance of vegetation, where they can find ample food and shelter.
Where to Find in Masai Mara
In the Masai Mara, Bohor Reedbucks are most commonly seen on floodplains, though they can also be found in narrow river courses where vegetation is dense. These areas provide the cover they need to hide during the day and forage during the night.
Conservation Status
The Bohor Reedbuck is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List due to its wide distribution and relatively stable population. However, like many other African species, it faces threats from habitat loss due to agricultural expansion and hunting for meat. Maintaining protected areas like the Masai Mara is crucial for ensuring the survival of this and other species.
Interesting Facts
- Territorial males are very protective of their territory, which can include several females, creating small harems.
- Bohor Reedbucks can be identified by their stout bodies and forward-curving horns, making them easy to distinguish from other antelope species.
- Despite their large build, these antelope are quite shy and prefer to hide in tall grass when faced with danger, instead of running away immediately.
This fascinating antelope adds to the diversity of the Masai Mara ecosystem, and with careful management and conservation efforts, it will hopefully continue to thrive in its natural habitat.