Bushbuck (Tragelaphus sylvaticus)

Pennington's Shy Garden Visitor

The Bushbuck is one of the most widespread antelopes in Sub-Saharan Africa and a common, though often shy, resident of Pennington's gardens and green belts. They are primarily browsers, feeding on leaves, herbs, twigs, and flowers. Their beautiful coats, ranging from light brown to dark chestnut (almost black in older males), are marked with a pattern of vertical white stripes and spots that provide excellent camouflage in dappled forest light.

These animals are generally solitary and most active during the early morning and late afternoon (crepuscular). Males are easily identified by their short, sharp, spiraled horns. While they are a wonderful part of our local biodiversity, they are vulnerable to roaming dogs and illegal snaring.