Origin
Forest antelope (Tragelaphus scriptus) of the genus Tragelaphus, family Bovidae and order Artiodactyla. As its name implies, it can be found in forests of all kinds near lakes or rivers in Africa. It prefers both mountain and plain regions.
The mountain climbs up to altitudes of 3000 - 4000 meters. It is the most common species in Africa.
It lives in nearly 40 countries including Senegal, Ethiopia, Cameroon, Congo, Ghana, Nigeria, Somalia, Uganda, Rwanda, Kenya, Botswana and Angola.
Studies have shown that the mountain forest antelope is different from the plain forest antelope. They may soon be split into two distinct species.
Due to the well-groomed body and covered with a colorful fur, it is also called the colorful forest antelope. It can be found in foreign or specialized literature and under the names: the bushbuck or antelope harnache.
It is not currently threatened with extinction, but due to habitat loss the population numbers are decreasing. The population of forest antelopes is estimated at 1,300,000. It is hunted for meat and sports.
Feeding the forest antelope
It feeds on leaves, plants, buds, herbs and tender twigs. It is a herbivorous animal.
Appearance forest antelope
It has a body length of 1 – 1.5 meters, height at geaban 75-110 cm, and weight of 55-80 kg. The horns are about 50cm long and the tail 20-30cm. It is one of the smallest antelope species in Africa.
The female is smaller than the male. The fur has variable color, it can have different shades of colors: yellow-brown, reddish-brown, tan or even black.
It has different white spots of different sizes especially in the neck and tail area.
On the body you can see random white stripes. The ears are long and partially covered with hair.
The snout is long and the nose is black. Thin limbs end with hooves, the front ones are shorter than the rear ones.
Forest antelope behavior
It is an animal with no territorial sense that prefers to live alone. It comes out in search of food in the early hours of the morning, then prefers to hide in the thickest vegetation.
In case of danger he runs making jumps of 5-6 meters hiding in the thick bushes in the forest. The main enemies are crocodiles, lions, leopards or wild dogs.
Breeding forest antelope
The forest antelope gathers in small groups only during the breeding season. If food permits, the female may give birth twice a year. (every 6-7 months)
After the mating period follows the gestation period after which the female gives birth to a single cub that she breastfeeds and raises alone.
At birth the cub gets up and walks in a short time. Sexual maturity is reached at the age of 11 months.
The life expectancy of the forest antelope is 12 years.
