Red List of South African Species

Alternatively, Explore species
| National Red List categories | Partners |
Least Concern (LC)
Assessors: Colleen Downs Greg Coates
Contributors: Jeanetta Selier Claire Relton IUCN SSC Antelope Specialist Group
Reviewers: Matthew Child

Rationale (Changed due to Same category and criteria)

This species remains Least Concern within the assessment region, as it is widespread (and has been widely reintroduced) and well-represented in protected areas across its range with no evidence for net population decline. However, localised declines may be occurring due to poaching, habitat loss and degradation, and competition with introduced Nyala (Tragelaphus angasii) on small properties. Such threats should be quantified to assess their severity on the overall population. While no specific interventions are necessary at present, translocations that mix ecotypes or the northern species (T. scriptus) should be avoided and land managers should conserve thicket habitats on which this species depends. Further research on ecotypes may split the population into management units for conservation.

Regional population effects: This species occurs in many habitat types and its range is connected with neighbouring countries; for example, along the northern border of South Africa between Botswana, Zimbabwe and Mozambique through the Mapungubwe and Great Limpopo transfrontier areas and northeast KwaZulu-Natal (KZN). There is evidence that males can disperse long distances (Apio et al. 2010), and thus we assume that rescue effects are possible.

Distribution

Bushbuck are one of the most widely distributed antelope species on the African continent (Skinner and Chimimba 2005), occurring on c. 72% of Africa’s landmass in 40 countries (East 1999, Moodley et al. 2009). The only sub-Saharan country from which they have not recently been recorded, and where they may formerly have occurred, is Lesotho (Lynch 1994). The Rift Valley broadly separates T. scriptus, occurring in North and West Africa, from T. sylvaticus, occurring in East and southern Africa (Moodley and Bruford 2007). They occur widely in Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Swaziland and the eastern parts of South Africa, as well as northern Botswana (Skinner and Chimimba 2005). They naturally occur throughout much of South Africa and are widely distributed in the highly fragmented forest and thicket biomes. Their current distribution within the assessment region is mostly the same as their historical distribution, occurring in Limpopo, North West, Mpumalanga, Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal provinces, and along the coast in both the Eastern and Western Cape provinces, about as far west as Bredasdorp (Skinner and Chimimba 2005). However, they have also been widely introduced into unsuitable areas. For example, while Southern Bushbuck naturally occur in the northern bushveld areas of North West Province (Power 2014), they are locally exotic in the southern parts of the province (Rautenbach 1982). Additionally, there seems to have been a natural range expansion into the riparian habitats of the Maretsaane area in northwestern North West Province (Power 2014).

Population trend

Trend

The Southern Bushbuck reaches high densities in localised areas of favourable habitat. Aerial and ground surveys undoubtedly underestimate population density; estimating Southern Bushbuck density with accuracy and precision is difficult as they are usually nocturnal, solitary, secretive and inhabit thick bush (Jacobsen 1974, von Gadow 1978, Schmidt 1983, Allen-Rowlandson 1986, Seydack et al. 1998). For example, in Shongweni Dam and Game Reserve, KwaZulu-Natal, a variety of count methods (conducted between 2002 and 2003) revealed density estimates ranging from 2.9 ± 0.2 to 21.2 ± 1.3 animals / ha (Coates and Downs 2007), where mark-recapture underestimated density and the high costs involved in capturing and marking animals rendered this method inadequate. Therefore, drive counts and mark-recapture were not considered to be appropriate for monitoring the subpopulation, whereas distance sampling is more. promising if the assumptions are met (Coates and Downs 2007). Similarly, sampling has generally been conducted during winter when using sighting efforts, as visibility at this time of the year is best (Schmidt 1983, Allen-Rowlandson 1986, Marchant 1991). However, Southern Bushbuck may be more likely to be uniformly dispersed during spring, and thus this may be a more appropriate season for sampling (sensu Lannoy et al. 2003).

East (1999) estimated the total African population of bushbuck at 1,340,000, which is likely an underestimate. Their numbers are considered stable over considerable parts of the range, but are decreasing in densely settled regions. Within the assessment region, there are at least 5,422 Southern Bushbuck occurring on 257 protected areas and wildlife ranches across the country (2013–2014 counts; Endangered Wildlife Trust unpubl. data). However, this is likely to be an undercount for the reasons listed above. The largest subpopulation exists in Kruger National Park (KNP), inferred to be c. 500 individuals (2009 count) from ranger experience (Ferreira et al. 2013). There were inferred to be 15 and 10 (2010 count) in Marakele and Mapungubwe National Parks, respectively (Ferreira et al. 2013). In Garden Route National Park, Western Cape Province, density was estimated (from pellet counts) to be 1.6 ± 1.1 animals / km2 (2011 count), but no individuals were recorded in Agulhas or Bontebok National Parks in 2013 (Ferreira et al. 2013). There is a subpopulation of c. 30 in Addo Elephant National Park, Eastern Cape Province (Ferreira et al. 2013). They occur at low frequencies in several protected areas in North West Province (Nel 2015). Southern Bushbuck occur extensively outside protected areas too. For example, Power (2014) estimated that at least 2,447 animals existed on private lands in North West Province in 2010. Overall, we assume the population is stable as there is no evidence for decline and its extensive reintroduction onto game farms will presumably be increasing the overall population. However, further field surveys and monitoring should attempt to quantify subpopulation trends over three generations, which is calculated to be 15.7 years (Pacifici et al. 2013), from across its range.

Threats

Globally, the bushbuck has disappeared from some areas in the drier parts of its former range because of habitat destruction and increasing aridity. While there do not seem to be any major threats to its long-term conservation, numbers may be gradually decreasing locally as hunting pressures increase in parts of its range (East 1999). Within the assessment region, deforestation and fragmentation is the major threat to this species, while cultural sport hunting with dogs, snaring and high Nyala densities are localised threats. Although no specific evidence documents declines from bushmeat hunting and incidental snaring, bushmeat hutting is an intensifying threat in southern Africa (Lindsey et al. 2013), and presumably Southern Bushbuck are impacted, especially on the edges of protected areas (Wittemyer et al. 2008). For example, they have been poached in Borakalalo Nature Reserve, North West Province (Nel 2015). Cultural sport hunting with dogs is also inferred to be a major contributor to local declines, especially in KwaZulu-Natal (sensu Grey-Ross et al. 2010).

The Nyala is a mixed feeder showing preference for browse (Anderson 1978, Seymour 2002). It is suggested to out-compete other species by having access to forage at a higher feeding level, potentially creating browse lines, thereby excluding the smaller species (Rowe-Rowe 1994, Haschick and Kerley 1996). Based on landowner surveys in KwaZulu-Natal, Southern Bushbuck subpopulations are declining where Nyala subpopulations are increasing (Coates and Downs 2005b). As the Nyala is a highly prized trophy animal, it has been introduced into many areas beyond its historical range (Rowe-Rowe 1994, Spear and Chown 2009), thereby potentially causing local declines in many Southern Bushbuck subpopulations. However, accurate baseline measurements of density and abundance are necessary to assess impacts of these introductions (Coates and Downs 2007, Power 2014). Uncontrolled reintroductions and translocations are a concern for the genetic integrity of local subpopulations as mixing ecotypes could lead to outbreeding depression. Moodley and Bruford (2007) found 23 phylogenetically distinct groups (ecotypes), the distribution of which was found to correlate strongly with ecology, suggesting that ecological heterogeneity on the African mainland acted as a driving force for local adaptation within both the T. scriptus and the T. sylvaticus lineages.

Uses and trade

The Southern Bushbuck is hunted for food and for sport within the assessment region. They are also sold at live game auctions. Use and trade is not suspected to negatively impact the population as it is well regulated, but this should be quantified. Southern Bushbuck are considered a valuable resident on many game reserves and private farms in KwaZulu-Natal (Rowe-Rowe 1994), as they provide both ecological and economic benefits (Coates and Downs 2006). The latter includes game hunting and biltong production in smaller reserves that cannot depend on ecotourism (Humavindu and Barnes 2003, Reilly et al. 2003).

While wildlife ranching may generally be conserving land that would otherwise be overgrazed by livestock and thus expanding the area of occupancy of this species, the introduction and co-occurrence of Nyala is suspected to have negative consequences on small properties. In KwaZulu-Natal, it has been shown that Southern Bushbuck are negatively impacted by sympatric Nyala subpopulations (Coates and Downs 2005b), probably via competition, where the Nyala, being a generalist browser-mixed feeder, outcompetes the more specialised browsing-only Southern Bushbuck. This is corroborated by Power (2014), where higher Southern Bushbuck densities are attained on game farms where Nyala are absent in the North West Province, and there is co-existence at low densities. It is suggested that farmers wanting to stock Nyala make allowance for protecting Southern Bushbuck by, for example, setting aside Nyala-free habitat (Power 2014). Additionally, some of the eco-estates in KwaZulu-Natal have increasing numbers and so need to move animals out as the fencing prevents natural dispersal.

Conservation

The Southern Bushbuck is present in numerous protected areas across the assessment region. Its ability to survive widely in settled areas and successfully utilise habitats modified by human activities should ensure that it survives in substantial numbers outside protected areas for the foreseeable future (East 1999). However, landowners should be encouraged to form conservancies to provide greater habitat for this species and decrease competition with Nyala. As Southern Bushbuck are a favoured game farm species, their area of occupancy should continue to expand. However, care should be taken to discourage introduction into unsuitable areas and to prevent mixing Southern Bushbuck ecotypes to prevent outbreeding depression. As such, regulation of translocation, for both Southern Bushbuck and Nyala, is required.

Recommendations for land managers and practitioners:
  • Reduce Nyala density or set aside habitat for Southern Bushbuck.
  • Develop this species as a keystone within the sustainable, wildlife-based rural economy.
  • Landowners should document and report subpopulation declines to their provincial conservation agency or the University of KwaZulu-Natal.
Research priorities:
  • Determine national population size and regional subpopulation trends.
  • Delimit ecotypes as management units for conservation, as a baseline for a Biodiversity Management Plan and translocation policy.
  • Quantify the severity of threats facing local subpopulations.
Encouraged citizen actions:
  • Landowners should create conservancies for this species and engage local stakeholders to create sustainable, wildlife-based rural economies.
  • Report sightings on virtual museum platforms (e.g., iSpot and MammalMAP), especially outside protected areas.

References 

[@book{275,
 address = {Cambridge},
 author = {Skinner, J.D. and Chimimba, C.T.},
 publisher = {Cambridge University Press, United Kingdom},
 title = {The Mammals of the Southern African Subregion},
 year = {2005}
}
,@article{275,
 author = {Pacifici, M., Santini, L., Di Marco, M., Baisero, D., Francucci, L., Grottolo Marasini, G., Visconti, P. and Rondinini, C.},
 journal = {Nature Conservation},
 pages = {87–94},
 title = {Generation length for mammals},
 volume = {5},
 year = {2013}
}
,@article{5228,
 author = {Lynch, C.D.},
 journal = {Navorsing van die Nasionale Museum Bloemfontein},
 pages = {177--241},
 title = {The mammals of Lesotho},
 volume = {10},
 year = {1994}
}
,@techreport{5228,
 author = {Nel, P.},
 institution = {North West Parks Board},
 title = { Population estimates for large herbivores and predators in protected areas in the North West Parks Board November 2015},
 year = {2015}
}
,@techreport{5228,
 author = {Power, R.J.},
 institution = {Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation & Tourism, North West Provincial Government, Mahikeng},
 title = {The distribution and status of mammals in the North West Province},
 year = {2014}
}
,@article{9077,
 author = {Jewitt, D., Goodman, P.S., Erasmus, B.F.N., O’Connor, T.G. and Witkowski, E.T.F.},
 journal = {South African Journal of Science },
 pages = {1--9},
 title = {Systematic land-cover change in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa: Implications for biodiversity},
 volume = {111},
 year = {2015}
}
,@book{16484,
 address = {Gland, Switzerland and Cambridge, UK},
 author = {East, R. (compiler)},
 publisher = {IUCN},
 title = {African Antelope Database 1998},
 year = {1999}
}
,@book{16484,
 address = {Pietermaritzburg, South Africa},
 author = {Rowe-Rowe, D. T.},
 publisher = {Natal Parks Board},
 title = {The ungulates of Natal},
 year = {1994}
}
,@article{16484,
 author = {Grey-Ross, R,Downs, C.T., and Kirkman, K. },
 journal = {South African Journal of Wildlife Research},
 pages = {43--52},
 title = {An assessment of illegal hunting on farmland in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa: implications for oribi (Ourebia ourebi) conservation},
 volume = {40},
 year = {2010}
}
,@article{19306,
 author = {Spear D., Chown S.L.},
 journal = {Biological Conservation},
 pages = {353–363},
 title = {The extent and impacts of ungulate translocations: South Africa in a global context},
 volume = {142},
 year = {2009}
}
,@article{30208,
 author = {Allen, G.M.},
 journal = {Bulletin of the Museum of Comparative Zoology},
 pages = {1--763},
 title = {A checklist of African mammals},
 volume = {83},
 year = {1939}
}
,@article{111935780,
 author = {Rautenbach, I. L.},
 journal = {Ecoplan monograph, N.S. Supplemento},
 pages = {111--211},
 title = {Mammals of the Transvaal},
 volume = {1},
 year = {1982}
}
,@article{550,
 author = {Wittemyer, G., Elsen, P., Bean, W.T., Burton, A.C.O. and Brashares, J.S.},
 journal = {Science},
 pages = {123--126},
 title = {Accelerated human population growth at protected area edges},
 volume = {321},
 year = {2008}
}
,@article{4143,
 author = {Lindsey, P.A., Balme, G., Becker, M., Begg, C., Bento, C., Bocchino, C., Dickman, A., Diggle, R.W., Eves, H., Henschel, P., Lewis, D., Marnewick, K., Mattheus, J., McNutt, J.W., McRobb, R., Midlane, N., Milanzi, J., Morley, R., Murphree, M., Opyene, V., Phadima, J., Purchase, G., Rentsch, D., Roche, C., Shaw, J., Van der Westhuizen, H.,Van Vliet, N. and Zisadza-Gandiwa, P.},
 journal = {Biological Conservation },
 pages = {80--96},
 title = {The bushmeat trade in African savannas: Impacts, drivers, and possible solutions},
 volume = {160},
 year = {2013}
}
,@article{4143,
 author = {Coates GD, Downs CT},
 journal = {South African Journal of Wildlife Research},
 pages = {179},
 title = {Survey of the status and management of sympatric bushbuck and nyala in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa},
 volume = {35},
 year = {2005}
}
,@article{4143,
 author = {Seydack AH, Huisamen J, Kok R. },
 journal = {Southern African Forestry Journal},
 pages = {9--19},
 title = {Long-term antelope population monitoring in Southern Cape Forests},
 volume = {182},
 year = {1998}
}
,@techreport{6235,
 address = {Skukuza, South Africa},
 author = {Ferreira S, Gaylard, A, Greaver, C, Hayes, J, Cowell C, Ellis G. },
 institution = {Scientific Services, SANParks},
 title = {Summary Report: Animal abundances in Parks 2012/2013},
 year = {2013}
}
,@book{22051,
 address = {London, UK},
 author = {Lydekker, R.},
 publisher = {Trustees of the British Museum},
 title = {Catalogue of the Ungulate Mammals in the British Museum (Natural History), volume 4},
 year = {1915}
}
,@phdthesis{22051,
 author = {Allen-Rowlandson T.S.},
 school = {University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa},
 title = {An autecological study of bushbuck and common duiker in relation to forest management},
 year = {1986}
}
,@phdthesis{22051,
 author = {Anderson J.L.},
 school = {London University},
 title = {Aspects of the ecology of the nyala (Tragelaphus angasii Gray, 1849) in Zululand},
 year = {1978}
}
,@article{22051,
 author = {Apio A, Kabasa JD, Ketmaier V, Schröder C, Plath M, Tiedemann R.},
 journal = {Journal of Zoology},
 pages = {213–220},
 title = {Female philopatry and male dispersal in a cryptic, bush-dwelling antelope: a combined molecular and behavioural approach},
 volume = {280},
 year = {2010}
}
,@article{22051,
 author = {Coates GD, Downs CT},
 journal = {African Journal of Ecology},
 pages = {376–384},
 title = {A telemetry-based study of bushbuck (Tragelaphus scriptus) home range in Valley Bushveld},
 volume = {43},
 year = {2005}
}
,@article{22051,
 author = {Coates GD, Downs CT},
 journal = {South African Journal of Wildlife Research},
 pages = {167--172},
 title = {A preliminary study of valley thicket and coastal bushveld-grassland habitat use during summer by bushbuck (Tragelaphus scriptus): a telemetry based study},
 volume = {36},
 year = {2006}
}
,@article{22051,
 author = {Coates G.D., Downs C.T.},
 journal = {South African Journal of Wildlife Research},
 pages = {91–95},
 title = {Population estimates of bushbuck (Tragelaphus scriptus) in valley thicket and coastal bushveld-grassland habitat},
 volume = {37},
 year = {2007}
}
,@proceedings{22051,
 editor = {Grubb, P.},
 publisher = {Museum A König, Bonn, Germany},
 series = {Proceedings of the International Symposium on African Vertebrates},
 title = {Geographical variation in the bushbuck of eastern Africa (Tragelaphus scriptus; Bovidae).},
 year = {1985}
}
,@article{22051,
 author = {Haschick S.L., Kerley G.I.H.},
 journal = {outh African Journal of Wildlife Research},
 pages = {64–65},
 title = {Experimentally determined foraging heights of bushbuck Tragelaphus scriptus and boergoats Capra hircus},
 volume = {26},
 year = {1996}
}
,@article{22051,
 author = {Hassanin, A.},
 journal = {Comptes Rendus Biologies},
 pages = {32–50},
 title = {Pattern and timing of diversification of Cetartiodactyla (Mammalia, Laurasiatheria), as revealed by a comprehensive analysis of mitochondrial genomes},
 volume = {335},
 year = {2012}
}
,@article{22051,
 author = {Humavindu M.N., Barnes, J.I.},
 journal = {South African Journal of Wildlife Research},
 pages = {65–70},
 title = {Trophy hunting in the Namibian economy: an assessment.},
 volume = {33},
 year = {2003}
}
,@article{22051,
 author = {Jacobsen N.H.G},
 journal = {Journal of South African Wildlife Management Association},
 pages = {75–93},
 title = {Distribution, home range and behaviour patterns of bushbuck in the Lutope and Sengwa Valleys, Rhodesia.},
 volume = {4},
 year = {1974}
}
,@article{22051,
 author = {Lannoy L., Gaidet N., Chardonnet P., Fanguinoveny M.},
 journal = {African Journal of Ecology},
 pages = {108–110},
 title = {Abundance estimates of duikers through direct counts in a rain forest, Gabon.},
 volume = {41},
 year = {2003}
}
,@article{22051,
 author = {MacLeod S.B., Kerley G.I.H., Gaylard A.},
 journal = {South African Journal of Wildlife Research},
 pages = {19–25},
 title = {Habitat and diet of bushbuck Tragelaphus scriptus in the woody Cape Nature Reserve: observations from faecal analysis.},
 volume = {26},
 year = {1996}
}
,@article{22051,
 author = {Moodley Y., Bruford M.W.},
 journal = {PLoS One},
 pages = {e454},
 title = {Molecular biogeography: towards an integrated framework for conserving pan-African biodiversity},
 volume = {2},
 year = {2007}
}
,@article{22051,
 author = {Moodley Y., Bruford M.W., Bleidorn C., Wronski T, Apio A., Plath M.},
 journal = {Mammalian Biology},
 pages = {418–422},
 title = {Analysis of mitochondrial DNA data reveals non-monophyly in the bushbuck (Tragelaphus scriptus) complex},
 volume = {74},
 year = {2009}
}
,@article{22051,
 author = {Odendaal P.B., Bigalke R.C.},
 journal = {South African Journal of Wildlife Research},
 pages = {96--101},
 title = {Home range and groupings of bushbuck in the southern Cape.},
 volume = {9},
 year = {1979}
}
,@phdthesis{22051,
 author = {Patrick B.G.},
 school = {University of KwaZulu-Natal},
 title = {Open space planning: integrating Shongweni Resources Reserve with the Umlaas River park and parts of the lower Mlazi catchmment.},
 year = {1998}
}
,@article{22051,
 author = {Reilly B.K., Sutherland E.A., Harley V.},
 journal = {South African Journal of Wildlife Research},
 pages = {141–144},
 title = {The nature and extent of wildlife ranching in Gauteng province, South Africa},
 volume = {33},
 year = {2003}
}
,@article{22051,
 author = {Schmidt J.L.},
 journal = {South African Forestry Journal},
 pages = {15--19},
 title = {A comparison of census techniques of common duiker and bushbuck in timber plantations},
 volume = {126},
 year = {1983}
}
,@article{22051,
 author = {Seymour G.},
 journal = {CC Africa Ecological Journal},
 pages = {137–146},
 title = {Ecological separation of greater kudu, nyala and bushbuck at Londolozi},
 volume = {4},
 year = {2002}
}
,@article{22051,
 author = {Smits C.N.M.},
 journal = {South African Journal of Zoology},
 pages = {89–94},
 title = {Diet composition and habitat use of the West African bushbuck Tragelaphus scriptus scriptus (Pallas, 1776) during the first half of the dry season},
 volume = {21},
 year = {1986}
}
,@article{22051,
 author = {von Gadow K.},
 journal = {South African Forestry Journal},
 pages = {77–81},
 title = {A pellet count of blue duiker and bushbuck in the Knysna forests.},
 volume = {107},
 year = {1978}
}
,@phdthesis{22051,
 author = {Marchant, A.N.},
 school = {University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg},
 title = {An evaluation of the wildlife extension service in Natal. M.Sc. Thesis.},
 year = {1991}
}
,]
Send feedback about this assessment to SANBI

Lead agencies, Partners and Funders

See the partners page