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STEENBUCK
(Raphicerus campestris)
are one the more adaptable antelope in Africa, together with the Grey Duiker they are often the last species
to leave an area. They can be found wherever there is suitable food and cover.
They can be
found in a wide variety of habitat but prefer short grassland with shrubs
for cover. They feed on bud and any new shoots feeding at a low level.
Steenbuck will drink
when water is available, but do not require it, gaining all the moisture
that they need
from their food. They are most active in the morning and in the
evening, lying up
during the day in bush or long grass. They are mainly solitary.
Males will mark off
their territories with urine and secretions from gland under the chin as
well as using
dung. They are the only bovid who scrape the ground before and after
urination
and defecation. The males are known to use roads and telephone lines
as boudaries. They have excellent hearing. They have been known to scavenge meat
from
carcasses as well as kill the young of ground birds bit this is due to
severe shortage
of food. When chased by dogs, Steenbuck take refuge in used antbear
holes,
although they generally rely on their speed to take them away from danger.
Predators: Leopard, Caracal, Wild Dog, Cheetah, Hyaena, Python
and the Martial
Eagle. |
